The 2019 Cap de Faugeres Bordeaux Blend from the Cotes de Castillon region in Bordeaux, France, represents a compelling offering from producer Cap de Faugeres. This red wine, sealed with a cork and boasting an alcohol content of 15.0%, has garnered positive reviews from several respected wine critics.
James Suckling awarded this vintage a score of 91 points, noting its "very pretty, smoky aromas with blackberries and cherries." He highlights its medium body and integrated tannins, concluding that it has a "fresh, clean finish" with hints of tar and lemon rind. Suckling suggests that the wine will improve further if enjoyed from the end of 2022 onwards.
Jeb Dunnuck provided a slightly lower but still commendable score of 90 points. He describes the 2019 Cap de Faugeres as "another perennial overachiever" with a "brilliant, pleasure-bent" character. Dunnuck's tasting notes emphasize the wine's juicy and savory profile, which includes "notes of red and black fruits, new leather, herbes de Provence, and dried flowers." He acknowledges its mouth-filling, nicely structured, and medium-bodied nature, recommending a year or two of aging to allow the tannins to soften, with a potential drinking window extending through 2029.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com was particularly impressed, scoring the wine between 91-93 points. He describes it as dark in color, with an aromatic profile of "licorice, smoke, dark chocolate, black pit fruits, and cherries." Leve highlights its full-bodied and lushly textured character, with a "hedonistic, fruit and chocolate filled finish." Notably, the wine is crafted from a blend of 80% old vine Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, contributing to its rich and complex profile.
Vinous also awarded the wine 91 points, praising its rich and expansive nature. The review notes that the 2019 Cap de Faugeres is "so expressive right out of the gate," with flavors of "succulent red cherry, spice, leather, and tobacco."
Overall, the 2019 Cap de Faugeres is a well-regarded Bordeaux blend that offers a balanced and complex drinking experience. Its combination of savory and fruity notes, along with its structured yet approachable body, make it a noteworthy choice for both immediate enjoyment and short-term aging.