2016 Cap de Faugeres
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Tasting notes
A wine that always seems to deliver, the 2016 Château Cap de Faugères is another winner. Based on 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 14.5% natural alcohol, it gives up a spicy, dried rose petal, underbrush, and sweet cherry-driven perfume and is silky, pure, and elegant on the palate, with fine tannins. Drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Cap de Faugères has a rather monotone nose, striking a pleasant note, but only one. The ripe palate offers chewy tannin and bitter cherry mixed with cranberry, leading to a rather short, slightly aggressive finish. I suspect this might still be suffering some bottle shock, given its better showing out of barrel, so I will not score it for now.
Attractive dark berries and plums with gently flinty warm stones and a very plush, fruity palate with ripe darker plums from start to finish. Try from 2020.
The 2016 Cap de Faugères is a pretty, mid-weight Côtes de Castillon from Silvio Denz. Wild flowers, sweet tobacco and herbs add aromatic lift to a core of super-ripe red cherry fruit. The oak remains a bit prominent, and the 2016 is also marked by a distinct vegetal character. I would prefer to drink it sooner rather than later, before the fruit dries out. Tasted three times.