Château de Francs
Francs - Côtes de Bordeaux Les Cerisiers
Francs - Côtes de Bordeaux, France
2018
Vintage
Varietal
Merlot - Cabernet Franc - Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Where it is, October 2026
At Peak: inside the peak window (2025-2032), within the full drinking arc.
In May 2026, the 2018 Chateau de Francs Les Cerisiers is drinking beautifully at the heart of its main window. The wine has been open since 2024 and entered its peak in 2025. Eight years from harvest, the lush fruit and soft tannins have integrated fully, and the herbal spice and dark fruit complexity that distinguished this wine from simpler Bordeaux are showing at their most expressive. Drink with confidence now through 2032, when the wine will begin its gradual decline toward the hard limit of 2035. No extended aging is required or beneficial; this is a wine in its full stride today.
The ‘18 Francs - Côtes de Bordeaux Les Cerisiers.
A generously fruited Francs Cotes de Bordeaux with baked plum, dark chocolate, and Provence herb character, drinking beautifully now through 2032.
Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) drinking timeline
Storage and bottle condition can shift the experience.
The peak window sits inside the broader full drinking arc.
Tasting note
Chateau de Francs Les Cerisiers is produced from the Francs Cotes de Bordeaux appellation on the eastern edge of Bordeaux, where the clay and limestone soils produce Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon of genuine character at very approachable price points. The 2018 vintage is a wine of warmth, depth, and generosity. The nose opens with warm black plum and baked blueberry at the forefront, followed by cherry pie and dark chocolate that give the wine a rich, inviting quality. Spice box notes and Provence herbs add complexity and a savory herbal dimension that prevents the wine from reading as simply fruit-forward. Seamless freshness on the mid-palate keeps the wine lifted despite its generosity. The finish carries the dark fruit and spice forward with a pleasant earthy persistence. A wine that delivers genuine pleasure above its price category.
The 2018 vintage
The 2018 Bordeaux growing season was widely celebrated as one of the finest in recent years, particularly on the Right Bank and in satellite appellations like Francs Cotes de Bordeaux. Excellent summer conditions with warmth and well-timed rainfall produced fruit of remarkable maturity and concentration. The harvest was conducted in ideal conditions, yielding wines of generous depth, soft tannins, and expressive aromatics. For value-oriented appellations like Francs Cotes de Bordeaux, the 2018 vintage provided an opportunity to produce wines that significantly outperform their price point, and Chateau de Francs took full advantage.
About Château de Francs
Chateau de Francs is a well-regarded estate in the Francs Cotes de Bordeaux appellation, producing wines from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon on clay and limestone soils that provide both structure and freshness. The Les Cerisiers bottling represents the estate's approachable, fruit-forward expression, designed for early drinking pleasure while maintaining the Bordeaux character and complexity that distinguishes the estate from simpler regional wines. The property has a longstanding reputation for delivering consistent quality and value within its appellation.
From the cellar: pair with
Beef stew with root vegetables and herbs
The wine's dark fruit, wet earth, and herbal notes align naturally with the earthy, slow-cooked richness of beef stew.
Roast chicken with tapenade and olives
The Provence herb notes and fruit-forward character of the wine complement the Mediterranean flavors of olive and herb, creating a cohesive pairing.
Charcuterie board with pate, cornichons, and mustard
The wine's juicy fruit and soft tannins make it an ideal companion for rich charcuterie, while the acidity and spice cut through the fat effectively.
Service & cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 16 to 17 degrees C (61 to 63 degrees F)
- Decanting
- A 30-minute decant is sufficient to open the nose; the wine can also be enjoyed immediately from the glass.
- Cellar Storage
- 12 to 14 degrees C (54 to 57 degrees F)
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Frequently Asked
What is the Francs Cotes de Bordeaux appellation?
It is a small Bordeaux satellite appellation east of Saint-Emilion, where clay and limestone soils produce Merlot-dominated blends of genuine character and excellent value.
Is the 2018 Les Cerisiers ready to drink now?
The canonical CAI full drinking arc is 2024-2035. Within that arc, the peak window is 2025-2032. The full arc is the broader period the wine may drink well; the peak window is when it is most likely to show its best balance. Storage, fill level, cork condition, and preference can shift the decision. Taste before adding more air or holding the rest.
What grapes are used in Les Cerisiers?
The blend consists of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, a classic Bordeaux Right Bank combination well-suited to the clay and limestone soils of Francs.
Is this wine suitable for immediate consumption?
Yes. This is not a wine that benefits from extended aging beyond its peak window. Drink it now and enjoy its full expression through 2032.