Coutreau No 1, 33141 Saillans, France
Phone: +33 (0)5 57 84 32 05 Fax: +33 (0)5 57 74 39 83
E-mail: vieillecur@aol.com
UK agent: J. Sainsbury

Fronsac is a relatively small appellation on the right bank of the Dodogne, west of the town of Libourne and a neighbour to the more famous Pomerol and St Emilion. Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the key grapes here, and it’s often a good source of tasty yet inexpensive (by the standards of the region) Bordeaux. Vieille Cure is one of the leading Fronsac properties, and has performed well in recent years. It was bought by an American consortium in 1986, who clearly had great aspirations for this estate and have renovated the vineyards and the cellar. The vineyards cover 20 ha, in one plot, and the cepage is 75% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon; annual production is around 100 000 bottles. In the UK these wines are available from the supermarket Sainsbury, priced around £11. Verdict: this is a property worth watching.

Château La Vieille Cure 1998
Deep coloured, this wine exhibits attractive ripe berry fruit on the nose with a gently herbal edge. The palate is quite youthful with its juicy, ripe fruit and a bit of tannic structure. Juicy finish. Well made claret in a modern style, and may develop quite nicely. A good effort. Very good+

Château La Vieille Cure 1999
Deep red/purple colour. Attractive roast coffee bean edge to the nose. The palate is bright and fruity with good density and a juicy edge. There’s a bit of tannin on the finish. This is nice stuff, currently quite youthful. Very good