Château Ad Francos Réserve Ad Aeternam Francs Côtes de Bordeaux Rouge

AD FRANCOS Réserve AD AETERNAM Bordeaux Rouge is the prestigious barrel-fermented reserve from Château Ad Francos in the rare Francs Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, crafted from old Merlot vines on limestone-clay soils and aged 12-18 months in a historic semi-buried cellar fed by an ancient spring. Bursting with complex aromas of ripe black fruits, prunes, truffle, undergrowth, and spices, it delivers a juicy, chewy texture with chewy tannins, vibrant freshness, and impressive aging potential, earning high scores like 92 from Falstaff and James Suckling. Ideal for enthusiasts seeking a concentrated, elegant powerhouse that pairs perfectly with game, red meats, or roast lamb, this off-the-beaten-path gem offers Bordeaux nobility with rarity and depth.

Château Ad Francos Réserve Ad Aeternam Bordeaux Rouge is a premium 100% Merlot from the rare Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux AOC, crafted from a 1.6-hectare plot of 30-year-old vines on clay-limestone soils. Grapes are harvested plot-by-plot and gravity-fed into new French oak barrels for alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, followed by 12-18 months of aging in 100% new oak. This meticulous process, overseen by Michel Rolland's team at a historic 6th-century château, yields around 30,000 bottles annually of this expressive, limited-production red.

Aromas of ripe black fruit and prunes dominate, layered with sweet cherry overtones, spice, and subtle earthiness from extended oak aging.

The palate reveals complexity with black fruit, undergrowth, truffle, pepper, and well-integrated tannins, offering a savory, classic Bordeaux character ideal for beef or venison.

Persistent and structured, with lingering spice, oak, and earthy depth that promises further evolution with age.

This reserve stands out for its rarity from Bordeaux's smallest appellation, housed in a restored medieval fortress with a natural spring in the aging cellar. Positioned as a premium cuvée with prices reflecting its quality and scarcity, it features an iconic label from an 1898 Bordeaux vintage guide. Barrel-fermented and aged exclusively in new oak, it delivers exceptional expressiveness and aging potential, as noted in tastings of vintages like 2012 and 2016.

Decant for 1-2 hours to unlock its aromas, then pair with robust dishes like stews, game, or grilled meats to complement its tannic structure and savory profile. Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F) in a large Bordeaux glass to enhance its complexity. Cellar for 5-15 years for optimal evolution, as younger vintages benefit from time.