2023, Château de Fonbel, SAINT-ÉMILION, Grand Cru

Last Year EP $31.00-

This 16 hectare property in the South of Saint Emilion has been owned by the Vauthier family of Ausone since 1971. 
64% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon and 8% carmenere.

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 has higher Merlot in the blend [than usual), but the character of the fruit is darker and more textured. Enjoyable.
92 Jane Anson.

Very pretty with pure cassis and sliced orange character. Medium body, fine tannins and a polished finish. Balanced and fresh. Some stone and salty undertones. 
92-93 James Suckling.

An elegant bouquet of iris, gentian, liquorice 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 characterised by vertical energy. It’s a great bottle in the making.
89-91 Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate.

The 2023 de Fonbel has a deep garnet-purple colour. 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.
89-91 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW