The Crushed Grape

Château Fourcas Dupré 2018

Regular price £27.99

A polished and classically styled Listrac-Médoc offering cassis, blackberry, cedar, graphite, and refined oak spice. Structured yet approachable, it combines the richness of the excellent 2018 vintage with the freshness and balance that have become hallmarks of Château Fourcas Dupré.

Château Fourcas Dupré 2018 is a distinguished Cru Bourgeois from the Listrac-Médoc appellation, one of the six recognised communal appellations of the Médoc. Situated on the elevated Fourcas plateau, often referred to as the "roof of the Médoc," the estate benefits from gravel, clay, and limestone soils that provide excellent drainage and contribute both structure and freshness to the wines.

The château traces its origins back to the nineteenth century and today stands as one of the leading estates in Listrac. The vineyard covers approximately 46–47 hectares in a single block, allowing precise vineyard management and a strong expression of terroir. Modern investments in the winery over recent decades have helped elevate quality while preserving the estate's traditional Médoc character.

This is a serious Bordeaux with genuine cellar potential, yet one that is already beginning to show attractive accessibility thanks to the balance achieved in the vintage.

Details
France
Bordeaux
Blend
750ml
13.50%
2018
Cru Bourgeois
Listrac-Médoc
Regular price £27.99
Description

The 2018 vintage was exceptional across Bordeaux, producing wines with impressive concentration, ripe tannins, and excellent ageing potential. Château Fourcas Dupré successfully balanced the richness of the growing season with freshness and elegance, resulting in a wine that combines power with refinement. Critics noted the wine's vibrant fruit, mineral character, and unusually fresh profile for such a warm vintage.

The blend is led by Merlot (54%), supported by Cabernet Sauvignon (45%) and a small proportion of Petit Verdot (1%). The wine was matured for approximately 12–14 months in French oak barrels, around one-third of which were new, providing additional complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Compared with some of the more austere wines traditionally associated with Listrac-Médoc, Fourcas Dupré offers a slightly more polished and approachable style while retaining the structure and longevity expected from the appellation. The wine sits comfortably between the elegance of Margaux and the firmness of Saint-Estèphe, offering excellent value for those seeking authentic Left Bank Bordeaux.

Style

A dry, medium- to full-bodied Bordeaux with concentrated dark fruit, polished tannins, and classic Médoc structure. The warmth of the 2018 vintage brings generosity and depth, while the estate's gravel and clay soils help maintain freshness and balance.

Unlike heavily extracted modern Bordeaux styles, the wine remains focused on harmony and terroir expression. The oak is well integrated, supporting the fruit with subtle spice and texture rather than dominating the palate.

In simple terms: a classic Left Bank Bordeaux with ripe cassis fruit, silky tannins, and elegant structure — powerful enough to age but already enjoyable with decanting.

  • Appearance: Deep garnet-purple with excellent colour concentration.
  • Nose: Cassis, blackberry, cedar, tobacco, graphite, and subtle vanilla spice.
  • Palate: Ripe dark fruit supported by freshness, mineral tension, and polished tannins.
  • Texture: Medium- to full-bodied with impressive balance and structure.
  • Finish: Long, savoury, refined, and classically Médoc.
  • Roast Lamb – A classic Médoc pairing that complements the wine's structure beautifully.
  • Ribeye Steak – Rich enough to handle grilled and charred beef dishes.
  • Beef Wellington – The wine's refinement works exceptionally well with premium cuts.
  • Venison – Excellent with game and earthy accompaniments.
  • Aged Hard Cheeses – Particularly good with Comté, mature Cheddar, or Gruyère.
  • Serve at 16–18°C.
  • Decant for approximately 1 hour before serving.
  • Use a large Bordeaux glass.
  • Drink now with decanting or cellar comfortably through 2035 and beyond.
Available for pickup at
Derrylin
Usually ready in 24 hours

5 The Market Place
Derrylin
Enniskillen BT92 9AN
United Kingdom

+442867748550