critic reviews
Medium garnet-brick colored, the 2012 de Fieuzal Rouge has notes of iodine and sweaty leather over fruitcake, tobacco leaf, and stewed tea scents, plus a hint of sauteed herbs. The medium-bodied palate has a chewy texture and drying-out flavors, finishing rustic.
The 2012 Château de Fieuzal has an attractive nose, a mélange of red and black fruit, brown spices, leather and tobacco. There is lovely build here, and it is very cohesive. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-judged acidity, cohesive and poised with admirable substance towards the finish. This de Fieuzal is one of the few positive surprises of the tasting and is worth seeking out. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
Loads of ripe fruit are present in this wine, but I was surprised by what appeared to be a lack of complexity and nuance. It is certainly chunky, has a dense ruby/purple color and the concentration is adequate. The wine showed blue, red and black fruits, spice, and earth, but is not showing the nuances and complexity I would have expected. Drink it over the next 15 years.