2011 Chateau de France
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Tasting notes
A dense ruby/purple color is followed by a tight but promising nose of black fruits, asphalt, roasted coffee and spice. A sinewy chewiness displays good fruit, classic Graves smoky and scorched earth notes, and a spicy, peppery finish. This is an excellent effort from a property that has tended to underachieve in the past. Kudos to De France’s owners. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
80% Sauvignon Blanc. Very little new oak. Intense aroma of sweet lemon and hint mealy oak. Smells generous. Rich on the palate too, lovely lemon cream flavour and the oak well in the background and the Sauvignon grassiness coming out on the finish. (JH)
Black core and black cherry rim. Smells a little volatile/oxidised, giving candied fruit aromas, and then sweet but very very dry on the palate. Leaves the mouth needing a clean. Not convinced that age will help much. (JH)
About the producer
Neighbouring Ch. de Fieuzal, Ch. de France has been making wine since the 17th century. Purchased by the Thomassin family in 1971, investment has been significant – as has the associated rise in quality.