Château de Fieuzal red - Pessac-Léognan 2016 6b11bd6ba9341f0271941e7df664d056

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/5/2019

Youthfully vivid, with lots of red and black currant and raspberry confiture flavors driving through, inlaid with anise and sweet tobacco hints. Vibrant throughout, with a roasted apple wood note giving the finish a second kick. Best from 2022 through 2032. 4,833 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

94 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/4/2019

Very intense red-plum and dark-fleshed peach aromas, plus a hint of pomegranate, make this generous, well-structured Pessac-Léognan red very attractive. However, the full, moderately dry tannins need some time to resolve. Better from 2021, but with a long future ahead of it.

Vinous

92 / 100

byNeal Martinthe1/24/2019

The 2016 de Fieuzal has an intense, floral bouquet, quite Margaux-like in style, with scents of rose petal infusing the blackberry, cedar and mint aromas. The medium-bodied palate offers sappy black fruit that feels nicely enmeshed with the new oak. There is a modern sheen to this de Fieuzal, which shows touches of vanilla toward the finish and a sweet candied aftertaste.

Vinous

88 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe1/21/2019

The 2016 de Fieuzal is powerful and racy, but also comes across as one-dimensional. There is good depth to the dark fruit, tobacco, menthol and licorice flavors, and yet the wine lacks freshness. This was far more interesting from barrel.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe11/30/2018

A barrel sample, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 de Fieuzal opens with cedary notes over a core of red and black currants, black cherries and tobacco with wafts of fallen leaves and lavender. Medium-bodied with a firm, grainy texture and oodles of freshness, it has plenty of compelling red and black fruit sparks and an earthy finish.

Wein Wisser

17 / 20

the5/22/2017

Granatrubin. Kompakte, blaubeerige Nase, dahinter schwarze Johannisbeere und edle Würze, gute Dichte.Am kräftigen Gaumen mit mineralischem Kern und enormer Power ausgestattet, viel Brombeere im langen Nachhall– ein mit gutem Potenzial ausgestatteter Langstreckenläufer!

Bettane & Desseauve

94 / 100

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/3/2017

Le tannin n’est pas aussi harmonieux qu’on le souhaiterait dans l’idéal, mais le vin a du caractère et du fond.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/2/2017

The 2016 De Fieuzal, which has enjoyed the consultancy services of Hubert de Boüard for a few years now, was uncharacteristically subdued on the nose when I encountered it on three occasions. The palate has more to say, bolstered by rigid and slightly chalky tannin that lend this Pessac-Léognan an undercurrent of energy. I cannot ever remember a more taut Château de Fieuzal than this 2016. There is freshness here, but at least at this prenatal stage, it is unwilling to dole out enjoyment. I hope that there is more charm to discern once it is bottled. At the moment, my preference would lie with the previous vintage.

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/27/2017

Medium bodied, forward and already showing a delicious, smoky, red fruit character, made even better by its spicy, freshness and tobacco nuances. 

Decanter.com

93 / 100

byJane Ansonthe4/25/2017

Deep rose-violet colour, showing how easily anthocyanins were extracted this year. This is a lovely rich, well extracted, intense wine of succulent black cherry and damson fruits coupled with cigar box scents. It has this stunning balance and 'essence of Bordeaux' spirit that Pessac delivers so well in its best vintages. Drinking Window 2025 - 2040  

matthewjukes.com

16 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/25/2017

(70 Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 Merlot, 5 Petit Verdot, 5 Cabernet Franc) Chunky and a little abrupt and tannic, this is not a complex wine and the fruit is rather blunt and lacking in dimensions. This is not a great showing for this famous property. 16+?

La Revue du Vin de France

15,5-16,5 / 20

the4/25/2017

En 2016, l'ensemble du vignoble, gelé à 60% a été travaillé en biodynamie. Stephen Carrier a réduit le bois dans les élevages et testé vinification, pigeages et élevage sur trois amphores de 320l d'une petite partie des merlots et sur six jarres de 160l en terre cuite de cabernet sauvignon. Avec ses tanins suaves, son fruit éclatant et gourmand, le vin se montre équilibré. Un Fieuzal de plaisir.

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/21/2017

Rich blackberry-compote nose. Fresh finish and some real energy here. But it's pretty sinewy on the end. Not a standout. Too angular. 

Wine Enthusiast

93-95 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/19/2017

Barrel Sample. This wine is packed with black currant fruit. It is warm, ripe and balanced by fine acidity. The structure will allow the wine to age well, with rich berry flavors and crispness in harmony.

Wine Spectator

91-94 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2017

Quite ripe, with warm plum and fig notes melding with singed alder and bay accents. Shows a mineral edge. There's lots of flesh here, but has cut on the finish.—J.M.

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2017

A wine with depth and structure that's defined by blackberry, blueberry and chocolate character. Full body, chewy tannins and a juicy finish. Shows potential.