Château de Fonbel, St Emilion, 2023
This 16 hectare estate on the St Emilion plain has a sandy, gravelly terroir, but despite the humble situation, Fonbel produces some sensational wines - hardly surprising given that this estate is managed by Alain Vauthier of Ausone fame. Produced from 64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Carmenère, the 2023 offers a charming, creamy core of fruit. Juicy, uncomplicated, and framed by well-judged tannins - this will be a charming early drinker.
critic reviews
This is a lovely wine in the vintage, a little reticent at first, but the austerity of En Primeur has softened while retaining the vivid expression of blue and red fruit, with a mouthwatering finish. One to look out for. Owned by the Vauthier family of Château Ausone.
The 2023 Château de Fonbel is quite a steely bouquet, a bit reserved upon first pour, opening gradually in the glass with blackberry, iodine and light marine scents. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive concentration in context of the vintage, a sweet core of black plum and hoisin that segues into a dense, rounded finish with a healthy sprinkling of black pepper. Give this two or three years in bottle.
A blend of 64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Carmenere, the 2023 de Fonbel has a deep garnet-purple color. It is a little closed to begin, needing a bit of patient swirling to bring out notes of boysenberries, baked plums, and tar, followed by hints of anise and black olives. The medium-bodied palate is refreshing and elegantly played, with soft, silky tannins and a peppery finish.
A slightly reduced, elegant bouquet of iris, gentian, licorice and spices intermixed with exuberant notes of violet preface the 2023 Fonbel, a medium to full-bodied, elegant and tense wine with a juicy core of fruit and a long, ethereal finish characterized by vertical energy. This is a blend of 64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Carmenere. Its a great bottle in the making.