2016 Chateau de France
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Tasting notes
Deeply colored, the 2016 Château de France is a soft, rounded, front end-loaded effort from the Graves region that offers classic notes of tobacco, earth, cold fireplace, and blackcurrants. Drink this medium-bodied, nicely textured effort any time over the coming decade or more.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Enthusiast
More reviews and scores
The 2016 de France has a classically styled bouquet of tertiary black fruit, woodland scents and a touch of tree bark, all well defined and quite complex. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a fine line of acidity and tarry black fruit. Pencil shavings line the finish. This de France should drink well over the next two decades.
Thereâs plenty of dark-berry character, such as blueberries and blackberries with hints of bark. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a soft and caressing finish. Better after 2022.
The 2016 de France is gorgeous. Élevage has softened some of the rougher contours the wine showed from barrel, which really allows the wine to show at its best. Dark, savory and super-expressive, the 2016 de France is absolutely delicious today.
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.