2022, Château de Fonbel, SAINT-ÉMILION Grand Cru

Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère.

This 16 hectare property in the South of Saint Emilion is owned by the Vauthier family of Ausone. Always extremely well priced...and very fine.

The 2022 De Fonbel is gorgeous. Rich, plummy and super-expressive, Fonbel is an absolute delight in 2022. Succulent red cherry, plum, spice, rose petal and mocha are nicely pushed forward. The 2022 is a supple, charming Saint-Émilion that will drink well with minimal cellaring. In this tasting it is an absolute delight. The blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Carménère works so well here. 90-92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous. 

Exhibiting aromas of plums, raspberries and cherries along with an attractive top note of violets, the 2022 Fonbel is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and taut, with youthfully chewy tannins and a long, penetrating finish. 89-91 William Kelley.

A juicy and flavourful red with lots of red fruits, currants, cloves and some nutmeg. It's full and layered with lots of fruit. 85% merlot, 10% cabernet sauvignon and 5% carmenere. 92-93 James Suckling.

Black cherry, blueberry and cassis fruits on the opening beats, this is an intense Fonbel that leans into the vintage character but always stays on the right side of balance. A good quality wine with clear ageing ability, a little less immediately charming that in less highly charged vintages. 30% new oak. Harvest September 15 to 21, with the unusual addition of Carmanère in the blend. 90 Jane Anson.

Drinking Window: 2027 - 2042