Chateau de Carles Fronsac 2018
(Bordeaux, France) - [JS 92] [DM 90]

About the Fronsac Region:

Fronsac and Canon Fronsac are two of the strongest Bordeaux satellite appellations. The regions are located just west of Libourne, only 4.5 miles West of Pomerol or Saint Emilion. The wines are delicious, rich, ripe, and affordable.

They drink well young and offer some of the best value Bordeaux wines. The regions were not always inexpensive. Of the two appellations, Fronsac produces the finer, more elegant wine.

About the Chateau

The first stones of the estate were laid during the Hundred Years War (1337 to 1453). The fortified form of the estate has been around since the beginning of the 15th century. For the next 200 years, the de Carles family owned the estate. There were many notable members of the family during that time that held important political positions. The Chateau became a meeting place for the great thinkers and literary figures of the time but later as the French revolution came, many buildings were demolished and the property was sold off as an asset of the state. It is now on the Supplementary Register of Historical Monuments.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Guillaume Chastenet de Castaing purchased the property, more for the vineyards rather than the buildings. His family restored the buildings. The estate currently is in the hands of his great granddaughter Constance and her husband Stephane Droulers. The owners have relied on expert firms for the vinification. Up to 2007, it was Mouiex and currently it is Jean-Luc Thunevin, Dr. Alain Reynaud and Jean-Philippe Fort.

Chateau de Carles has 20 hectares of vineyards; 90% Merlot with 5% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc.

92 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of blackberries, cocoa, black tea and olives here. It’s full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Fresh and flavorful. Structured. Drink from 2023." - James Suckling (Mar 2021)