The 2011 De Fieuzal Blanc is a Bordeaux Blanc varietal, hailing from the Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This white wine, produced by De Fieuzal, is a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon. It is aged in a combination of 60% new oak and 30% one-year-old oak barrels, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
Geoffrey Binder from JJ Buckley awarded this wine a commendable score of 91, noting its "bright and focused" nose with "dominant notes of beeswax followed by high-toned citrus aromas." Binder also highlights the wine's "fresh white grapefruit flavors" and "moderate clean finish," suggesting it is best enjoyed upon release and over the next 5-7 years.
Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss gave the 2011 De Fieuzal Blanc an excellent score of 93, describing it as "ripe and tropical" with "mango, quince, and ripe white peach" flavors. Voss mentions the wine's rich texture and anticipates it will develop quickly, recommending consumption from 2018. He also provides context on the wine's production, noting that winemaker Stephan Carrier, with consultation from Hubert de Boüard of Château Angelus, oversees the process at the newly opened winery and barrel cellar.
Vinous' Ian D'Agata rated the wine at 92, describing it as "bright gold-tinged straw" with "ripe, fresh aromas of white stone fruit, anise, and white flowers." He praises its "lovely lift and clarity" and "vibrant acidity," highlighting its "sneaky concentration" and "impression of rising sweetness" from the oak and torrefaction flavors.
Neal Martin from Neal Martin's Wine Journal scored the wine 90, appreciating its "crisp minerality" and "notes of fresh lime, kiwi, and green apples." Although he sought "more tension and personality towards the finish," he believes the wine has "good substance."
James Suckling provided an outstanding review, scoring it 94 and describing it as a "fascinating dry white" with "lavender, lemon-rind, and sliced-apple character." He emphasizes its "solid and structured" nature, recommending it be given at least four to five years to soften, predicting it will show better in 2017.
Lastly, Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com rated the wine 90, pointing out its "vanilla, floral, lemon peel, and grapefruit" aromatics. He notes the "medium-bodied, fresh, clean" palate with "citrus, mineral, and vanilla bean notes" in the finish.
Overall, the 2011 De Fieuzal Blanc is well-regarded by critics for its fresh, citrus-driven profile and potential for further development with age.