Château Fayat Pomerol 2020

Decanter

"BEST IN SHOW | THE TOP 50 WINES OF 2023 | Pomerol is such a sought-after appellation that it always seems a particular treat to judge its wines in our competition. Origin alone, of course, doesn’t guarantee success – but when our judges tasted this particular Pomerol, from one of the best balanced of recent Bordeaux vintages, it was obvious that the wine’s achievement met the hopes which cluster around the appellation name. It’s dark black-red in colour, with subdued but compelling scents of warm earth and dark black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry and damson); a year in oak leaves the subtlest of traces on a wine of this quality. On the palate it is vital, athletic, clearly harvested without any over-ripeness; the tannins are soft and tender; but the wine’s inner concentration and force, together with an acidity which almost seems mineral or iron-like in some way, will give it plenty of cellar legs. A Pomerol which is both classic and contemporary."

Decanter

BEST IN SHOW | THE TOP 50 WINES OF 2023 | Pomerol is such a sought-after appellation that it always seems a particular treat to judge its wines in our competition. Origin alone, of course, doesn’t guarantee success – but when our judges tasted this particular Pomerol, from one of the best balanced of recent Bordeaux vintages, it was obvious that the wine’s achievement met the hopes which cluster around the appellation name. It’s dark black-red in colour, with subdued but compelling scents of warm earth and dark black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry and damson); a year in oak leaves the subtlest of traces on a wine of this quality. On the palate it is vital, athletic, clearly harvested without any over-ripeness; the tannins are soft and tender; but the wine’s inner concentration and force, together with an acidity which almost seems mineral or iron-like in some way, will give it plenty of cellar legs. A Pomerol which is both classic and contemporary

Decanter

The Wine Independent

Vinous

The 2020 Fayat was the most promising vintage that I had encountered from barrel. Now in bottle, it certainly possesses an appealing nose: black cherries, boysenberry, black truffle all vying for attention. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and fine structure. It eases the brakes on towards the finish in order to retain refinement and freshness, completing yes, the best Fayat for many years.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

"Flowers, truffles and ripe, dark red pit fruit aromatics are all over the place here. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied is silky, polished and fresh with a vibrancy, purity and elegance that makes this by far, the best vintage of Fayat ever produced! This is a simply gorgeous Pomerol. Drink from 2023-2040."

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Flowers, truffles and ripe, dark red pit fruit aromatics are all over the place here. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied is silky, polished and fresh with a vibrancy, purity and elegance that makes this by far, the best vintage of Fayat ever produced! This is a simply gorgeous Pomerol. Drink from 2023-2040.

James Suckling

Very finely crafted with creamy and chewy tannins that are polished and frame the blackberry, black-olive and chocolate character nicely. It’s full-bodied and structured. Best ever?

Vert de Vin Magazine

“The nose is fresh, floral with some richness and a certain intensity. This is a wine with depth and notes of violets, lilies, tart juicy strawberries and a hint of bright cassis paired with a hint of bright cornflower as well as hints of nutmeg, pepper and sweet spices. The palate is fruity with juiciness and minerality. There is a lightness, airiness in its richness with notes of pulpy blackberry and tangy pulpy plum and small notes of pulpy raspberry combined with hints of cornflower, a hint of fresh cocoa as well as a note of toast. There is smoothness in the richness, good length and good definition.”

Vivino

The Drinks Business

One of many wines in this vintage to sport a new label. Refined, elegant and more subtle than many, with delicate floral notes – lilac and peony, a little violet – that spring up between the blueberries and the red and black cherries; a hint of the cedar to come. Plenty of fruit on the dense and compact mid-palate and a pleasing sense of balance and restraint – some of these Pomerols are almost too much, but not here. A super stylish Pomerol that is the best I’ve tasted from Fayat.

Markus del Monego MW

"Dark purple colour with violet hue and black core. Vibrant fruit reminiscent of blackberries, elderberriers and hints of raspberries, backed by fine toasting, mild oak spices and subtle oak. One the palate ver elegant with exciting tension, juicy fruit and great freshness. A Pomerol with convincing length."

Tastingbook.com