Château de Fieuzal Red 2021

NC

    2021 is atypical, following the pattern of "1" vintages. The climatic conditions were totally extraordinary, with a very challenging and highly stressful growing season leading up to the late harvest. Coming out of winter, conditions were calm and mild with budburst occurring between 24th March and 1st April across all of our plots. We had to endure 9 nights of frost between 28th March and 19th April, and this impacted our yields - in addition to the unusually long flowering period which lasted all through June dur to an unusually wet spring. Very warm temperatures combined with relatively high rainfall created almost "tropical" conditions, leading to wild vegetative growth. This required us to employ significant manpower and intervene quickly to keep our treillis in optimal condition.

By doing so, we were able to control the ripening of our grapes by pushing back the harvest, overcoming some rainy spells between the 18th and 29th September in the process. The vintage possesses a sophisticated yet untamed character that is emblematic of 2021. There is a wilderness and authenticity to the finest wwines, which have sought to respect and express the place where they were cultivated. The color is light purple and intense. On the nose there are aromas of redcurrant, tangerine and light notes of white pepper, brought by both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. On the palar, there is freshness with a nice tension and length? There is a subtle salin touch that stands out on the finish with tanninbs that are elegant and precie. The Merlots were harvested from 23rd September to 6th October, the cabernet Sauvignon from 7th to 13th October and the Petit verdot from 6th to 13th October.