Château Jean Faure: Tasting & Drinking
If I were asked to point out one very enticing feature of this estate, I think I would probably bring the significant proportion of Cabernet Franc in the vineyard to your attention first. The domaine has featured this variety above all others seemingly for as long as it has existed.
In this it follows the lead of the other top estates at this end of the St Emilion appellation, namely Château Figeac, where Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon rule jointly over Merlot, and Château Cheval Blanc, where Cabernet Franc usually dominates the blend, its partner being Merlot. Between the latter domaine and Château Jean Faure, the vineyard of Château La Dominique is dominated by Merlot, but I think this is a reflection of the terroir. Château Cheval Blanc sits mainly on gravel, Château La Dominique on sand, Château Jean Faure on sand mixed with elements of gravel and clay. These are soils well suited to Cabernet Franc.
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