An elegant and fruity Pomerol red wine
The estate
Emanating from the merger between Chateaux La Commanderie de Mazeyres, Prieurs de la Commanderie and Vieux Bourgneuf, Chateau Fayat benefits from exceptionally diverse terroirs that are all situated within the Pomerol appellation.
The vineyard
Chateau Fayat watches over a vineyard of 13.36 hectares, comprising vines that are 50 years old on average.
The signature style of this Pomerol wine authentically expresses the characteristics of the terroirs of these three former estates. While the terroir of Chateau La Commanderie de Mazeyres is composed of gravel and sand, that of Vieux Bourgneuf rests on sand and clay soil and the terroir of Chateau Prieurs de la Commanderie is mainly composed of gravel, sand and clay.
Winemaking and aging
Harvested by hand once they had reached optimum levels of ripeness, the grapes are sorted in the vineyard and then on a sorting table. Vinification by plot, partly in wooden tanks and partly in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Maceration between 25 and 30 days. Malolactic fermentation is carried out partly in new barrels, as is the 15 to 18-month aging period.
The blend
This Chateau Fayat 2009 is a blend of Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc (10%).
The tasting
Color
The color is a dark red.
Nose
Expressive, the nose blends delicious fruity and woody fragrances with peppery notes.
Palate
Smooth, this wine seduces the palate due to its subtly toasted tannins. Throughout the tasting experience, fruity (plums, blackberries) and woody (oak) aromas are combined with subtle notes of spices and tobacco.
I missed on this one completely from the barrel, rating it entirely too high. It is certainly a good wine, with notes of chocolate, mocha and espresso as well as hints of mulberries and black cherries, but it is nowhere near the level of concentration the barrel sample had suggested. This blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc is medium-bodied deep plum/ruby in color, and best drunk over the next 7-8 years.