Chateau Cap De Faugeres is a Merlot-dominant Bordeaux red blend from Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This estate wine has earned a 92-point score from Decanter for its 2018 vintage and consistent 91-point ratings across Robert Parker, Wine Spectator, and Decanter over multiple vintages — placing it among the most critically recognized values in Right Bank Bordeaux.Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5% | Origin: Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France | Blend: 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon | Estate: Château Cap de Faugères, Sainte-ColombeProduction & HeritageChâteau Cap de Faugères sits on a 46-hectare (114-acre) estate in the village of Sainte-Colombe within the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, a rising sub-region on Bordeaux's Right Bank east of Saint-Émilion. Vinification relies on a gravity flow system — a premium technique that moves juice and must without mechanical pumping, minimizing oxidation and preserving fruit purity. The grapes undergo cold soaking prior to fermentation, which then takes place in a combination of temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and wooden vats, allowing the winemaking team to dial in extraction with precision across each parcel.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with warm plums, ripe blackberry, and black raspberry before revealing deeper layers of pencil shavings, espresso roast, and sautéed herbs. With time in the glass, earthy undertones of damp soil, truffle, and tapenade emerge.Taste: The entry is generous and fruit-forward, led by juicy black cherry and blueberry that saturate the mid-palate. Ripe, polished tannins build structure without harshness, while notes of dark chocolate, charcoal, and white chocolate add richness and complexity through the peak.Finish: The finish is medium-long with fresh acidity carrying herbal and lightly woody nuances. Lingering impressions of blackberry preserve and subtle earthiness round out each sip cleanly.How to Drink Cap de FaugèresThis wine is most expressive served at 16–18°C (61–64°F) in a large-bowled glass, ideally with 30 minutes of decanting to open the aromatic layers. Young vintages benefit especially from air, while bottles with five or more years of age can be poured directly. Grilled lamb chops: The wine's dark fruit concentration and herbal undertones mirror the charred, savory qualities of lamb. Beef bourguignon: Merlot's round tannins and black cherry notes integrate seamlessly into this classic pairing. Hard aged cheeses: Comté or aged Gouda draw out the chocolate and earthy truffle character on the finish. Best For Building a cellar-worthy Bordeaux collection without Saint-Émilion pricing Hosting a dinner party centered on red meat or French country cooking Gifting a Bordeaux enthusiast a critically acclaimed Right Bank discovery Blind-tasting sessions comparing Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux against neighboring appellations Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Cap de Faugères taste like? Cap de Faugères delivers a rich, fruit-driven profile dominated by ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum, layered with espresso, dark chocolate, and earthy truffle complexity. Fresh acidity and polished tannins keep the wine balanced and food-friendly.How does Cap de Faugères compare to Château Fombrauge? Both wines are Merlot-led Right Bank Bordeaux that have ranked equally in comparative tastings, though Cap de Faugères hails from Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux while Fombrauge holds Saint-Émilion Grand Cru status. Cap de Faugères tends to offer a similar depth of dark fruit and structure at a more accessible price tier.Is Cap de Faugères good for sipping on its own? Yes — its ripe tannins, generous fruit, and balanced acidity make it an inviting wine to enjoy by itself, particularly after a brief decant to let the aromatic complexity unfold.Where is Cap de Faugères made? Château Cap de Faugères is produced on a 46-hectare estate in the village of Sainte-Colombe, located within the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank in southwestern France.What foods pair well with Cap de Faugères? Grilled or roasted lamb benefits from the wine's herbal depth; beef stew or bourguignon matches its dark fruit weight; duck confit echoes its earthy richness; aged hard cheeses like Comté highlight the chocolate finish; and mushroom risotto amplifies the truffle and damp-earth character.What sizes does Cap de Faugères come in? Château Cap de Faugères is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.Is Cap de Faugères worth the price? Cap de Faugères positions as a mid-range Bordeaux that consistently punches above its weight, earning scores of 91–92 points from publications including Decanter and Robert Parker while remaining priced well below neighboring Saint-Émilion estates of comparable quality.Why Cap de Faugères?The gravity flow vinification system at Château Cap de Faugères is a production investment typically associated with higher-classified estates, and it shows in the wine's purity and textural polish. Multiple vintages have earned 91- to 92-point critical scores from Decanter, Robert Parker, and Wine Spectator, while the 2019 vintage also received recognition from the Guide Hachette des Vins with a two-star rating. For drinkers looking beyond the established names of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux represents one of the Right Bank's most compelling frontiers — and Cap de Faugères stands at its forefront. The 85% Merlot backbone delivers immediate generosity, while the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon fractions add aromatic lift and tannic structure that reward several years of cellar aging.
