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
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.
Intense redcurrant, blueberry and blackberry fruit, good vivacity and crunch, with tannins that have austerity but enough juice running through them to ensure balance. This is higher Merlot in the blend than Château Simard from the same range, but the character of the fruit is darker and more textured. Enjoyable.
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.