| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This 16 hectare property in the South of Saint Emilion has been owned by the Vauthier family of Ausone since 1971. The vineyard has an average age of 28 years. The pricing policy is always very reasonable.
In 2023 it is 64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet and 8% Carmenere. Maturation 30% in barrels, 70% in stainless steel tanks.
The 2023 Château de Fonbel was picked from September 12 to October 5. It has a straightforward bouquet with predominantly black fruit, hints of licorice and subtle gravel scents. It’s finely delineated if missing a little power. The palate is medium-bodied and fleshy with pliant tannins, closing with a gentle and lightly spiced finish. Drink it over the next decade.
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% Carmenère. It’s a great bottle in the making.
Always a value pick from the Vauthier estates, this year's Fonbel is very approachable and should drink well in its youth. Sweet and supple blueberries take the lead on the nose, airy and lifted to show a hint of blossom fruit. The palate is lightly crunchy, but the tannins soon melt into the generous fruit. A bite of acid keeps everything fresh and the fruit in check. This is compact, vibrant and approachable.
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. 64% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon and 8% carmenere.
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.
64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carmenère. Cask sample.
Unusual blend but adds more complexity, mid-palate substance and structure. Dark-fruit notes with a minty-mineral edge. Clean attack then plenty of drive, a line of acidity present from start to finish. Long. Should be GV for drinking (rather than investment). (JL) 13.7%
Drink 2027 – 2035
