2010 de Fieuzal

The 2010 de Fieuzal has a lovely nose, very vigorous, with blackberry, bilberry, hints of sea spray and seaweed. You can almost smell the Gironde in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, rounded in texture with good acidity. It just feels a little over-extracted on the finish when you really want it to take its foot off the gas. But this is still a thoroughly enjoyable wine. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 de Fieuzal rocks up with bold, confident Black Forest cake and crème de cassis scents followed by nuances of cigar box, new leather and Chinese five spice plus a waft of potpourri. Full-bodied, rich, spicy and decadently fruited, it has a chewy texture and lively freshness lifting the spicy finish.

Tasted blind. Deep garnet with bricky rim. Rich in fruit even though there are also more mature tertiary undergrowth notes. Chewy and a little bit brash but has lots going for it and a way to go. Firm but not aggressive tannins. A rich Pessac that needs time. (JH)