Chateau Fourcas Hosten Listrac-Medoc 2016

Description

Quite possibly the finest property in Listrac, Fourcas Hosten can date it’s history back to the 18th Century and has 47 hectares of vines. The Merlot is mostly planted on the clay soils, whereas the gravel is favoured by the two Cabernets, Sauvignon and Franc. Up until 2010 the property used to produce very traditional, muscular styles of claret but has since been undergoing conversion to organic farming methods, eschewing the use of pesticides and carrying out as much of the work by hand as possible. The results are a softer, more fruit led and approachable style that offers superb value for money. There has also been much investment in the winery too which has led to the wines getting better and better.

The wine is 53% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, aged in a mixture of new and old barrels (93% in total) with the remainder ageing in concrete tanks.

The 2016 Fourcas Hosten is much better on the nose compared to the 2015, exhibiting more delineation and precision, and capturing your attention with plenty of vibrant blackberry and raspberry fruit laced with cedar and blood orange. The palate is well balanced with slightly chalky tannins, minerally black fruit and touches of cedar and mint. There is a sense of cohesion and confidence on the finish. This did not shine out of barrel, but now in bottle with a bit of age, it is growing in stature. 91 Points.Neal Martin, Vinous