2025 de Fieuzal Rouge (Pessac-Leognan)

Grilled cedar and sandalwood, characterful damson fruits, with some of the squid ink salinity that is such a lovely marker of ripe Cabernet Sauvignon on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. Harvest September 4 to 26. Quinn family owners. 94 points

The 2025 de Fieuzal, harvested between September 4 and 26, is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. It wafts from the glass with aromas of cassis, mulberries, wisteria and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and precise, it’s built around a fleshy core of fruit framed by velvety, finely grained tannins and concludes with a long, ethereal and perfumed finish. More structured than usual, it remains well balanced, supported by lively acidity and a subtle, gastronomic bitterness on the finish. It`s a classical expression and one of the more compelling values in Bordeaux this year. 94-96 points

The 2025 Chateau de Fieuzal has an understated bouquet with red berry fruit, sous-bois and light marine scents that gradually opens up with aeration. I would have liked to have seen more vigour in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with an edgy opening. More herbaceous than expected, it almost seems there was a bit of stem addition a la Les Carmes! It does cohere a little in the glass, so I am intrigued to see how it shows in bottle, though I remain prudent with my score for now. 90-92 points