CHATEAU LES TROIS CROIX Fronsac 2020 Bottle

Description

Chateau Les Trois Croix dates back to at least 1712 when the large stone tower was carved and inscribed Trois Croix, which is translated to three crosses. However, we start paying attention to the property after Patrick Leon purchases the vineyard in 1995.

Prior to taking over Les Trois Croix in 1995, Patrick Leon was the winemaker for Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac. Sadly, Patrick Leon passed away in 2018. Today, the property is managed by his son, Bertrand Leon. In 2020, Les Trois Croix finished their renovation and modernization of the their barrel cellar and bottling room.

The 20 hectare Right Bank vineyard of Chateau Les Trois Croix is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The terroir is limestone and clay soils. The vineyard is well placed at the peak of the Fronsac appellation with an elevation of 87 meters at its high point. They have old vines here. In fact, they still maintain a parcel of vines that was planted in the 1940’s.

The team of Michel Rolland is their consultant. On average, the production is close to 8,000 cases of wine per vintage. There is a second wine, La Lamoliere.

JAMES SUCKLING 91-92 Points
9 Apr, 2021 – "Blackberries and blueberries with some crushed-stone character in both the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Lightly chewy at the end. Pretty refinement to this."

DECANTER 92 points
Tasted by Jane Anson (at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)
"An intense and concentrated Fronsac, this is high quality and powerful with blackberry and loganberry fruits and touches of grilled coffee bean aromatics. An excellent Les Trois Croix but a little atypical in its power. Will age well but not quite as juicy as in most years, takes away a little of the joy. A yield of 37hl/ha. 32% new oak. Drinking Window 2023 - 2034."