Château de Fonbel, St Emilion Grand Cru,

Destination

Château de Fonbel, St Emilion Grand Cru, 2018

Justerini & Brooks Tasting note

Château de Fonbel, St Emilion Grand Cru, 2018

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 the father and daughter team of Alain and Pauline Vauthier. Produced from 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carmenère, the 2018 is simple but full of heady kirsch and wild cherry notes. The perfumed fruit continues on the palate - dark and juicy, with a more polished tannic profile than normal. Should be good value.

Maturity:

Keep

ABV:

14%

92/100

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent

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.

Date Reviewed:

03/2023

Drinking Window:

2024 - 2040

89/100

Neal Martin, Vinous

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.

Date Reviewed:

02/2023

Drinking Window:

2024 - 2034

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This product may contain sulphites. Full allergen information is available upon request, please call our Customer Relations Team on +44 (0)20 7484 6430.