2006 Fourcas Hosten
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2006 Fourcas Hosten was tasted from two bottles, the first being corked and the second clean. The nose features attractive blackberry, briar, cedar and mint aromas; the bouquet demands several minutes before it really gets going, although I appreciate the delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with black fruit on the entry, laced with cedar and undergrowth notes. It feels quite tight and a little straitlaced, and clearly lacks flair toward the finish. This is the archetypal English claret, a little dry and maybe dowdy to some who prefer more hedonism in their wine. Yet it is still balanced and fresh. It’s just not going to go anywhere with continued bottle age.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Mellow, ripe nose with lots of opulent fruit and just a hint of tarriness. Almost more Syrah than anything! Certainly picked riper than most – pretty dramatic for a 2006. Just a little dried out and slightly bitter on the finish. Ungracious. A block rather than mellifluous. (JR)
The first vintage for the new owners, brothers involved in the Hermès business. Light crimson with a very pale rim. Rather simple sweetness on the nose. Quite sweet on the nose, though pretty light. Nice balance with some refreshment even if the tannins kick in quite markedly on the end. A bit mild and hollow on the finish – as though all the best winemaking steps were taken but the raw materials were a bit lacking. (JR)
About the producer
In the heart of Listrac, surrounded by three hectares of gardens, this château has just over 40 hectares of vines – with Merlot planted on clay-limestone and Cabernet Sauvignon on the gravel plateau.