Castel Fossibus by Domaine Ollier-Taillefer

Structure

Bodyfull

Tanninfirm

Aciditymedium

Sweetnessdry

Finishlong

Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Best 4 to 12 years from vintage.

vintage4 yrs12 yrs14 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: black fruit, cedar, garrigue, violet

Palate: dark plum, thyme, fine-grained tannin, long mineral finish

Syrah-led flagship of Ollier-Taillefer, four-grape blend. Aged in French oak with only 15% new wood to preserve terroir over wood character.

What it pairs with

Côte de boeuf charcoal-grilled
Fine-grained tannin handles charred fat; cedar mirrors the grill.
Slow-braised lamb shoulder
Thyme and garrigue meet slow-cooked lamb.
Aged Roquefort
Long mineral finish complements blue cheese's funk and salt.

History

Domaine Ollier-Taillefer is a family business operated by Luc and Françoise Ollier, the 5th generation of winemakers native to Faugères. They tend 36 hectares of vineyard in AOP Faugères, now converted to organic. Castel Fossibus is the estate flagship.

2008: First vintage of Castel Fossibus as estate flagship

Facts

Producer: Domaine Ollier-Taillefer · visiting guide
Grapes: Syrah (40%), Mourvèdre (25%), Grenache (25%), Carignan (10%)
Classification: AOC Faugères
Oak: Aged in oak casks with approximately 15% new oak; French oak preferred for finer tannins
ABV: 14.5%
Price: €22-30 at retail
Drinking window: 4-12 from vintage
First vintage: 2008
Organic: ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan: Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Castel Fossibus

What does Castel Fossibus taste like?

Black fruit, cedar, garrigue and violet on the nose; dark plum, thyme, fine-grained tannin and a long mineral finish on the palate. Full-bodied with a long finish.

When should I drink Castel Fossibus?

Drink between 4 and 12 years from vintage. Younger bottles benefit from 60-90 minutes of decanting.

What food pairs with Castel Fossibus?

Côte de boeuf charcoal-grilled is the canonical match; slow-braised lamb shoulder and aged Roquefort also work well.

How long is Castel Fossibus aged?

Aged in French oak casks with approximately 15% new oak. The Ollier family prefers minimal new wood to preserve terroir over wood character.

Taste it where it is made: tours and tastings in Languedoc

Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour

Day trip3h 30m4.9 from 78 reviewsfrom €85

In a typically Mediterranean landscape, discover two of the region’s greatest treasures on this unforgettable half-day experience combining fine wines, fresh oysters, ...

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