| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This 16 hectare property in the South of Saint Emilion is owned by the Vauthier family of Ausone. Wine-making is 30% in barrel and 70% in stainless steel. The pricing policy is always very reasonable.
From a 16-hectare vineyard on sandy soils on the plain, the 2019 Fonbel is a Merlot-dominant blend complemented by some Cabernet Sauvignon and, since 2004, Carmenère. Offering up aromas of blueberries, raspberries and loamy soil, it's a medium to full-bodied, ample and succulent wine with delicate tannins and a supple, giving profile. Fully 70% is matured in tank to keep the fruit in the foreground. Drink 2021-2035.
From: Bordeaux 2019: The Southwold Tasting (Feb 2023)
The 2019 Château de Fonbel lacks a little delineation on the nose, a mixture of earthy red and black fruit, dry tobacco and graphite. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. One of the more pliant Saint-Émilion wines this vintage with a smooth, seductive finish that doesn't quite deliver the complexity expected at the moment. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
- By Neal Martin on January 2023
Drink 2024-2038
Attractive nose of cherries, olives, undergrowth, ground coriander and chestnut mushrooms. It’s medium-bodied with fine, well-integrated tannins. Fleshy and flavorful with savory character. Try in 2025.
The 2019 de Fonbel is composed of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Carmenere. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sings of chocolate-covered cherries, black raspberries, licorice, and cardamom with a waft of tilled soil. Medium-bodied, it is elegantly styled and refreshing with soft tannins and a spicy lift on the finish.
Tasted blind. Transparent and lifted on the nose and then bone-dry on the palate – very distinctive! Some vegetal flavours but not underripe. Just restrained. Interesting and not austere despite first impressions. A different path followed here. Long. I’m giving this the benefit of the doubt but I’m sure it’s too lean for some palates. Some saw it as Chinon. 13.5%
Drink 2027– 2042
The 2019 is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Carmenere. The wine will largely be aged in inox, with 30% in barrel. Vibrant ruby in the glass, with a nose of bright red and darker forest fruits. The palate is sweet, smoky and generous, with soft and integrated tannins. Charming and fleshy, this seamless and spicy wine should offer lots of early drinking pleasure. Tasted in Bordeaux.
85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carmenère. Barrel sample.
Fresh fruit aroma and flavour with a savoury edge. Palate lively, juicy, with light, chalky tannins. Simple but appetising. (JL)
Drink 2023 – 2030
The 2019 Château de Fonbel has an attractive bouquet of raspberry, briary and light minty scents with just a touch of freshly rolled tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied, quite cohesive and fleshy, delivering tobacco-tinged red fruit, moderate weight and a gentle grip toward the finish, which is lent a little sharpness by the 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink 2023-2033.
