Francs - Côtes de Bordeaux, France · France
2018 Château de Francs Francs - Côtes de Bordeaux Les Cerisiers
A Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend from one of Bordeaux's most underrated right-bank satellite appellations — the 2018 Les Cerisiers is at its peak right now in 2026.
- Varietal
- Merlot - Cabernet Franc - Cabernet Sauvignon blend
- Vintage
- 2018
Drinking Window
In 2026: At PeakIn the heart of its drinking window (2025–2032).
Right now: In 2026, the 2018 Château de Francs Les Cerisiers is drinking at its peak. The wine entered its optimal window in 2025 and will hold there through 2032. At six years from harvest, the black plum and baked blueberry fruit has integrated beautifully with the spice box and herbal notes, and the soft tannins have settled into a plush, approachable frame. Drink now with great pleasure through 2030.
Tasting Note
Deep garnet with a purplish center. The nose opens immediately with warm black plum and baked blueberry, followed by cherry pie, dark chocolate, and a lifted spice box note. Provence herbs thread through alongside a gentle earthiness. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and juicy, with black and blue fruit filling the midpalate and soft tannins providing structure without hardness. The freshness on the finish is notable for a wine of this weight — testament to the clay soils of Francs retaining acidity through the warm vintage. A generous and satisfying everyday Right Bank experience.
About Château de Francs
Château de Francs is a landmark estate for the Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, long associated with the Thienpont family — the same dynasty behind Vieux Château Certan and Le Pin in Pomerol. While the estate operates independently, its connection to that pedigree speaks to the seriousness with which Château de Francs approaches winemaking in an area more typically known for value plays than collectibility. Les Cerisiers is the estate's core bottling, blending Merlot with Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon across the appellation's clay-limestone plateau.
Food Pairings
Roasted duck confit with lentils and thyme
The wine's warm black plum and Provence herb notes resonate with the richness of duck confit while its natural acidity cuts the lentil-braised fat.
Beef bourguignon with pearl onions and mushrooms
The full-bodied, juicy fruit of Les Cerisiers aligns with the wine-braised beef and mushroom umami, while its soft tannins absorb the stew's reduction richly.
Roasted pork loin with dried cherry and rosemary glaze
The wine's cherry pie and spice box flavors find a direct echo in the sweet-savory pork glaze, and the wine's body stands up to the protein without overpowering it.
Service & Cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 60-63°F (16-17°C)
- Decanting
- In 2026, this wine needs only a 30-minute decant before serving — it is fully open and expressive at peak. The soft tannins and generous fruit do not require extended aeration. Pop and pour, then give the wine 30 minutes to open up in the glass.
- Cellar Storage
- 55°F (13°C), 60-70% humidity, bottle on its side.
Frequently Asked
Is the 2018 Château de Francs Les Cerisiers ready to drink now in 2026?
Absolutely. This wine is at its peak right now, with the drinking window running through 2032. The fruit is beautifully integrated, the soft tannins have settled, and the Provence herb and spice notes are fully expressed. Drink with great pleasure over the next four to six years.
What is Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux?
Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux is a small right-bank satellite appellation northeast of St.-Emilion, built on clay and limestone plateau soils similar to those of the greater Pomerol zone. It is one of Bordeaux's more obscure appellations but home to serious estate wines, including those of the Thienpont family who own Château de Francs.
How long can I cellar this wine?
The peak window extends to 2032, with a hard decline threshold at 2035. This is not a wine built for very long aging — it is designed to deliver pleasure from 2025 through the early 2030s. Do not hold beyond 2033.
What food pairs best with Les Cerisiers?
Think classic French bistro: duck confit, beef bourguignon, roasted pork with fruit-forward glazes. The wine's generous fruit, moderate tannin, and lifted Provence herb character make it a natural partner for braised and roasted meat preparations.
How does this wine compare to Pomerol or St.-Emilion?
Château de Francs sits in a different tier than the top Pomerol and St.-Emilion estates, but the family ownership connection to Pomerol's elite ensures a serious approach to winemaking. Les Cerisiers delivers Right Bank character — soft tannins, Merlot-driven plummy fruit, herbal Cab Franc lift — at a considerably more accessible price point than its famous cousins.
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