2024 Chateau de Fieuzal, Rouge Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan

Medium intensity cherry red, slate and crayon texture, well handled, austere, but structured, you can see the slow build of muscles through the palate, and the deepening black fruit character. Softly spoken compared to many vintages of this excellent wine, but there are layers here, good complexity, and skilful construction.

More austere and less luminous than recent vintages—a clear reflection of the vintage—the 2024 de Fieuzal is showing remarkably well within its context. Evoking dark berries, cassis, flowers and lead pencil, it's medium to full-bodied, sappy and layered with a delicate, precise mid-palate framed by velvety tannins and concluding with a delicate, saline finish. This blend of 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot has clearly benefited from Stephen Carrier’s patient “wait-for-maturity” approach.

Beautiful and finesse-oriented, the 2024 Château Fieuzal reveals red and blue fruits, flowers, spice, and hints of graphite and gravelly earth. Based on 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Petit Verdot, it's medium-bodied and pure on the palate, with a layered, elegant mouthfeel and silky tannins.