Marsau Cotes de Francs 2016 | 94 Point Bordeaux for under $30!
Using 100% Merlot from the Cotes de Francs appellation. Marsau Cotes de Francs 2016 shows dense, opaque purple in color. Crème de cassis, blueberry, and black cherry fruit aromas are complemented by notes of tobacco, wild herbs, sandalwood, and a touch of iron oxide. Full-bodied and dense, the palate is packed with polished but grippy tannins that support flavors of blackberry, cherry, leather, dried herbs, and earth. Very powerful for the price, and great for mid-term drinking. Drink now – 2032.
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JS94 | Marsau Cotes de Francs 2016 is 100% Merlot. There’s a very bright and ripe array of dark berries and plums with an earthy edge, as well as nuances of sweetly fragrant black truffle. The palate has a very supple and fluid core of ripe dark plums with a very sleek, polished and compressed bed of tannins. Great depth and drive here through the finish. Mouthwatering, pure merlot. Try from 2023.
Chateau Marsau
Chateau Marsau is owned by the Chardonnier family, who are also the principals in the large negociant house CVGB. Through CVGB and Dourthe, they own numerous vineyards in various Bordeaux appellations. Both in the Left Bank and in the Right Bank, as well as in Pessac Leognan. They purchased Chateau Marsau in 1994.
The 12-hectare vineyard of Chateau Marsau is planted to 100% Merlot. While the terroir is clay, with limestone and sandy soils. Yet, the vineyard is well situated in the appellation. While sitting on a slope that is close to the peak of the plateau in the Cotes de Francs. Notably located just a bit northeast of the Francs village. And now, the vines are close to 30 years of age.
Pairing and Serving
Chateau Marsau Cotes de Francs 2016 benefits from at least 2-3 years of aging. Decant for up to 1 hour, helping the wine soften developing the aromatic character. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Marsau offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 2-8 years of age after the vintage.
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So, pair Chateau Marsau with all types of classic meat dishes. Highly recommended with veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised and grilled dishes. In addition, Chateau Marsau works well when matched with Asian dishes, rich fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.
