The 2014 De Fieuzal Bordeaux Blend, hailing from the Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France, presents itself as a wine with great potential for aging and development. Composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, this red wine, with an alcohol content of 13.5%, showcases a firm and structured profile typical of its producer, De Fieuzal.
Decanter rated this wine at 91 points, highlighting its "closed black cherry aroma" and noting that it is "not generous now but there is subdued power and tannic hold." Decanter emphasizes the firm and big house style, which may lack some of the lift found in other Pessac estates but compensates with "dark, bristling fruit" and excellent aging potential.
James Suckling awarded the wine a score of 92, describing it as having a "complex savory, herbal and earthy nose." He points out its medium body with "some real concentration and a nice freshness on the finish," where the tannins are serious yet well-integrated. Suckling suggests that this wine will be best enjoyed starting in 2020.
Wine Enthusiast gave the 2014 De Fieuzal one of its highest scores at 93 points. They praised it as "ripe and fruity," calling it a "great success." The review mentions its "juicy berry fruits" balanced by firm tannins and a mineral structure, resulting in a wine that is "full while also crisp" and "deliciously perfumed." Enthusiast recommends drinking it from 2024.
Vinous provided a score of 90, noting a "high-toned nose with a little more VA than its peers" and a palate that is "medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins and a keen line of acidity." The wine is described as harmonious with a "lilting, nonchalant finish" that may not be memorable but is considered fine.
Wine Spectator also scored the wine at 90, describing it as "ripe, fleshy and fun" with "friendly blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry preserve notes." The wine is structured by refined tannins and backed by "light tar, anise and black tea details," recommended for consumption between 2018 and 2024.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, also giving a score of 90, noted that the wine might currently be in a "reticent, broody stage of its evolution." The review highlighted the "medium-bodied palate with supple tannin and well-judged acidity," and a finish that leaves "you on a high note," suggesting the aromatics may develop further with age.
Overall, the 2014 De Fieuzal is a Bordeaux blend with a robust structure, promising aging potential, and a balance of dark fruit, tannins, and acidity. It has garnered solid reviews, with particular praise for its potential and complexity.