Score: 88/100
This wine was selected by Francois Chartier who received the Best Sommelier in the World Grand Prix Sopexa in 1994.
Although labeled as ‘Merlot’, it is a blend of about 86% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and grown on the Bordeaux right bank in the Fronsac area.
It was aged for about 12 months in barrels (0% new).
Tasting Notes
This right-bank Bordeaux wine comes in a bright red color of medium intensity, neither light nor particularly dense for the Bordeaux-blend style.
The nose is quite intensely scented though, with a very strong vanilla aroma dominating. Behind only are ripe cherry notes, almost like cherry liqueur, intense minty black pepper, and a bit of red capsicum too.
Mid-bodied palate, definitely dry in style, with quite drying tannins intensifying the sensation of dryness to the finish. Tannins feel a little green indeed I’m afraid.
Flavors however compensate with fruit and oak richness: red berry jam and plenty of sweet and peppery spices.
Overall
A solid Bordeaux wine in many aspects: flavor intensity, richness and spiciness, but that seems to fall a little short in maturity for a completely satisfying experience.
It remains enjoyable to drink with great flavor concentration filled with Bordeaux-style typicity.
Enjoy 🙂
As the creator of this wine, here is what Sommelier Francois Chartier suggests to match this Bordeaux wine: “Pair this merlot to your favorite recipes containing one or more of the following ingredients: mushrooms, roasted peppers, black tea, grilled beef, raspberries, wild rice, roasted duck, chicken and turkey, coffee, nori algae, roasted sesame oil, roasted asparagus, mint, blackberries, and many more.”
We particularly recommend you try this perfect matching recipe developped by Francois Chartier himself: Poached pork belly, coconut and black pudding vinaigrette, black pudding crumble
2012 Francois Chartier Fronsac Label Images
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