![Chateau de Carles Fronsac 2016 (Bordeaux, France) - [JS 92] [WA 91] [VM 90]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/products/Chat.-De-Carles-2016-sans-millesime-600x2418_{width}x.png?v=1663568980)
Chateau de Carles Fronsac 2016
(Bordeaux, France) - [JS 92] [WA 91] [VM 90]
Regular price $35.00 Sale price $28.97 Save $6.03
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.
Ratings & Reviews
92 Points - James Suckling:
"Blueberry and blackberry character with spices and dried flowers, following through to a medium body, firm and chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink from 2021."
91 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2016 Chateau de Carles has a clean and precise bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit mixed with violets and iris, the oak very well integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannin, blackberry and raspberry tinged with tobacco and a slightly short, but nicely detailed finish. Good potential." (89-91) Neal Martin, 4/28/17
90 Points - Vinous:
"The 2016 de Carles is absolutely beautiful. Plump, racy and seductive, it possesses lovely radiance, striking balance and no hard edges. The flavors are remarkably pure and precise in this attractive, midweight Fronsac. Bright acids give the 2016 an added kick of freshness and brightness throughout. This is one of many wines that show how compelling 2016 is as a vintage, even in humbler appellations. Tasted two times." (88-90) Antonio Galloni, 4/17/17