2014 Fombrauge

The 2014 Fombrauge continues to feel a little heady and alcoholic on the nose as it did from barrel, and did not quite convey the delineation of its peers. The palate is actually better with plenty of sappy red berry fruit, the keen line of acidity countering what is a powerful and quite muscular Saint Emilion. If the aromatics just gain more nuance and terroir-expression, then this could evolve into a fine 2014 Right Bank, so afford it three or four years in the cellar.

The 2014 Fombrauge is dark, sensual and inviting. Plum, black cherry, smoke, tobacco and cedar are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. Sumptuous and racy, the 2014 exudes finesse and nuance, but with plenty of the Magrez signature richness. Stylistically, the Fombrauge is a bit more finessed than the Magrez-Fombrauge, which is not a bad thing, as these wines are born with so much natural richness. Tasted three times.

A decidedly exuberant wine, the 2014 Fombrauge hits the palate with tons of depth and richness. Here the flavors are dark, bold and incisive. Blackberry jam, cloves, graphite, new leather, lavender, menthol and cedar wrap around the succulent, racy finish. All the elements are very much in balance. Readers who enjoy ripe, voluptuous wines will find much to admire. The 2014 will need time to fully absorb the new oak, but it appears to have the depth to be able to do that. Tasted two times.