CHÂTEAU FONBEL

2018 Grand Cru Saint Emilion

IN STOCK
Grapes Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cab Sauv, Carmenère
Colour Red
Origin France, Bordeaux
Sub-district Saint Emilion & Satellites
Village Saint Emilion
Classification Grand Cru
ABV 14%

70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carmenere. 30% new oak. The vines are located to the south of Saint Emilion and grown on clay with sand and gravel. Smoky wood on the nose. The palate shows complexity already with red fruit, spice and wood mingling well. There is some weight to the juice. Tannins build towards the end. Very good. Drinking range: 2023 - 2035 L&S (Apr 2019)

*Case price discount: Mix any 12 bottles of wine (or 9 litre equivalent) or 6 bottles of Champagne, Spirits, Sweet Wine or Fortified (4.5 litres) to get the discounted 'case price' for each bottle.

The 2018 Château de Fonbel offers predominantly red berry fruit mixed with rose petals and, later, a touch of black currant leaf. Pretty and expressive. The palate is well balanced with sappy black fruit, gentle grip and a bit of chewiness toward the finish; a touch of tobacco lingers on the aftertaste. Give this 18–24 months in bottle just to smooth off its edges. Drinking range: 2023 - 2030 Rating: 88 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Mar 2021)

Black berry and blueberry with some cedar and dark mushroom character. It’s full-bodied yet tight and poised with pretty structure and balance. Drinking range: 2024 - Rating: 93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Mar 2021)

The 2018 de Fonbel is wonderfully plump and inviting, which makes it an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, new leather and licorice all come together in an understated, open-knit Saint-Émilion that offers tons of immediacy and pleasure. Drinking range: 2022 - 2033 Rating: 91 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Mar 2021)

Château Fonbel

Amongst the best value wines in St Emilion is Château Fonbel. It is owned by Alain Vautier, owner of near-by Château Moulin Saint Georges and Château Ausone. The 16ha of vineyard are planted with a slightly atypical mix – there is 70% Merlot, nothing unusual for St Emilion; 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, very high for St Emilion; 7% Petit Verdot, possibly the highest percentage in St Emilion; and 3% Carmenère, possibly the highest percentage in Bordeaux.

This wine isn't currently part of a mixed case, but you can always browse our full selection of mixed cases here.
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