Château La Vieille Cure Fronsac 2022 | $35
This is fleshy and seductive in feel, with gently mulled black currant and blackberry fruit holding sway over savory, smoldering charcoal, just-tilled humus and worn cedar notes on the finish. Shows range and character. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2026 through 2035. 9,000 cases made. Published on November 20, 2024 stagin
Wine Type and Color
Red Still
Drinkability
Primary Grape
Merlot
Merlot is one of the most important Bordeaux varieties along with Cabernet Sauvignon. It's fleshier and ripens earlier than Cabernet, resulting in softer wines with plush tannins and fruit. Bordeaux is the grape's native home, where it's the dominant grape in Right Bank appellations like Pomerol and St.-Emilion and plays a supportive role on the Left Bank. It has also gained an international presence, with a notable boom in California in the mid-1990s, both as a single-variety wine and as part of a blend. While France and California are the most important growers of Merlot, versions from Italy, Australia, Washington, New York and more are worth seeking out.
Other Grapes
Online Only Review
Published on November 20, 2024
Region
France / Bordeaux / Fronsac
Château La Vieille Cure Fronsac 2022 | $35
This is fleshy and seductive in feel, with gently mulled black currant and blackberry fruit holding sway over savory, smoldering charcoal, just-tilled humus and worn cedar notes on the finish. Shows range and character. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2026 through 2035. 9,000 cases made. Published on November 20, 2024
Wine Type and Color
Red Still
Drinkability
Primary Grape
Merlot
Merlot is one of the most important Bordeaux varieties along with Cabernet Sauvignon. It's fleshier and ripens earlier than Cabernet, resulting in softer wines with plush tannins and fruit. Bordeaux is the grape's native home, where it's the dominant grape in Right Bank appellations like Pomerol and St.-Emilion and plays a supportive role on the Left Bank. It has also gained an international presence, with a notable boom in California in the mid-1990s, both as a single-variety wine and as part of a blend. While France and California are the most important growers of Merlot, versions from Italy, Australia, Washington, New York and more are worth seeking out.
