Château de Fonbel, St Emilion Grand Cru, 2010
Alain Vauthier's range of St Emilions are the best we can remember tasting. This 16 hectare estate on the St Emilion plain has a sandy, gravelly terroir, but despite the humble situation, Fonbel produces some sensational wines. A blend of 66% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 7% Carmenere, the 2010 Fonbel possesses wonderful energy, a refined bouquet of purple fruit, bitter sweet cherries and spice. The palate is pure and sensual with long flavours of forest fruits and mûre sauvage. Likely to be a great value buy.
critic reviews
Bright ruby-red. Aromas and flavors of cassis, licorice, espresso and fresh herbs. Juicy, fine-grained and supple, but in a distinctly cool style for the year, with the greenness carrying through on the palate. Nicely balanced, though, and the smooth tannins will not get in the way of enjoying this wine early.