A blend of 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Carmenere, the 2020 de Fonbel is deep garnet-purple in color. It comes bounding out with notions of boysenberries, stewed plums, and fresh blueberries, plus suggestions of pencil shavings, lavender, and tilled soil. The medium-bodied palate is vibrant and expressive, with very soft tannins and a lively backbone, finishing with lots of energy.

The 2020 Château de Fonbel has a pretty, if light and approachable, bouquet with brambly red fruit intermixed with blackcurrant and soft floral touches. It doesn't want to make too much of a fuss. The palate is medium-bodied with gritty tannins on the entry, a little compact at the moment yet fresh with fine salinity on the finish. Enjoy over the following decade.