The Crushed Grape

Château de Francs “Les Cerisiers” 2020

Regular price £21.99

A rich and polished Right Bank Bordeaux offering black cherry, cassis, plum, mocha, cedar, and finely integrated oak. Produced by the partnership of Hubert de Boüard and the Hébrard family, this premium Francs Côtes de Bordeaux combines the generosity of the excellent 2020 vintage with limestone freshness and impressive Saint-Émilion-like character.

Château de Francs “Les Cerisiers” 2020 is the flagship wine of Château de Francs, a historic Right Bank estate located within the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. The property is jointly owned by Hubert de Boüard, co-owner of Château Angélus, and the Hébrard family, former owners of Château Cheval Blanc, bringing together two of Bordeaux's most respected winemaking dynasties.

At Château de Francs, the 2020 vintage delivered particularly impressive results. The warm growing season produced rich, ripe fruit, while the estate's limestone terroir preserved acidity and aromatic precision. The wine was matured in French oak barrels, adding complexity and texture without overshadowing the fruit.

Compared with many similarly styled Saint-Émilion wines, Château de Francs “Les Cerisiers” offers exceptional value. It captures much of the richness, polish, and sophistication associated with prestigious Right Bank estates while remaining significantly more accessible.

For those seeking a serious Bordeaux that delivers both immediate pleasure and cellaring potential, this is one of the hidden gems of the Right Bank.

Details
France
Bordeaux
Blend
750ml
14.50%
2020
Francs Côtes de Bordeaux
Francs Côtes de Bordeaux
Regular price £21.99
Description

Situated on the eastern edge of Bordeaux, the estate occupies elevated clay-limestone slopes remarkably similar to those found in neighbouring Saint-Émilion. These soils are highly prized for their ability to produce wines that combine ripeness and concentration with freshness, minerality, and ageing potential.

The vineyard is planted predominantly to Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc, creating wines that express the generosity and elegance typical of the finest Right Bank Bordeaux. Careful vineyard management, low yields, and meticulous selection ensure that only the highest-quality fruit reaches the final blend.

The 2020 Bordeaux vintage is regarded as one of the strongest vintages of the past decade. Following excellent growing conditions, the wines display superb fruit concentration, ripe tannins, freshness, and balance. The vintage has often been compared favourably with 2019 and 2022, producing wines that combine immediate appeal with significant ageing potential.

Style

Château de Francs “Les Cerisiers” 2020 is a dry, medium- to full-bodied Bordeaux with concentrated dark fruit, silky tannins, and impressive freshness. The warmth of the vintage provides richness and depth, while the limestone soils preserve elegance and balance.

Unlike more structured Left Bank wines that rely heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon, the Merlot-dominant blend emphasises texture, generosity, and accessibility. The wine feels plush and polished without becoming heavy or overripe.

In simple terms: a rich and sophisticated Right Bank Bordeaux with layers of ripe dark fruit, smooth tannins, and subtle oak complexity, delivering excellent value for lovers of Saint-Émilion-style wines.

  • Appearance: Deep ruby-purple with excellent concentration.
  • Nose: Black cherry, cassis, plum, cedar, violet, mocha, and subtle spice.
  • Palate: Rich dark fruit supported by freshness, polished tannins, and limestone minerality.
  • Texture: Medium- to full-bodied, smooth, and beautifully integrated.
  • Finish: Long, refined, savoury, and gently mineral.
  • Roast Lamb – A natural pairing that highlights the wine's richness and structure.
  • Beef Wellington – Excellent with premium beef and mushroom-based dishes.
  • Duck Breast – Particularly strong with cherry or plum sauces.
  • Slow-Braised Beef – The wine's concentration complements slow-cooked meats beautifully.
  • Aged Hard Cheeses – Comté, Gruyère, and mature Cheddar pair exceptionally well.
  • Serve at 16–18°C.
  • Decant for approximately 45–60 minutes before serving.
  • Use a large Bordeaux glass.
  • Drink now with decanting or cellar comfortably through 2038–2040.
Available for pickup at
Derrylin
Usually ready in 24 hours

5 The Market Place
Derrylin
Enniskillen BT92 9AN
United Kingdom

+442867748550