2014 de Fonbel
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Fonbel, from the Famille Vauthier of Ausone, has a pretty bouquet with fragrant red berry fruit laced with peony and potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, slightly chalky tannin. There is moderate weight in the mouth, a Château de Fonbel that is classic in style and whilst some might hanker for a little more flesh on the finish, I appreciate the focus and tension in this wine. Drink over the next four or five years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Tim Atkin MW
Decanter
More reviews and scores
Dark red cherry, plum, tobacco and spice notes flesh out in the 2014 de Fonbel. Pliant, supple and inviting, the wine needs another 6-12 months in bottle to fully come together. Even so, it is quite tasty today, with lovely juiciness to its dark red and purplish-toned fruit and good aromatic freshness. The blend is 80 % Merlot, 10 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 5 % Carmenère and 5 % Petit Verdot.
80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Carmenere. 30% in barriques. The Vauthiers’ property opposite Ausone. Mid crimson. Toasty, easy, fruity. Relaxed and easy to like. Bordeaux needs more wines like this. (JR)
The 2014 Fonbel is dark, supple and nicely balanced in the glass, with delicate fruit and a racy personality. The blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carmenere and 5% Petit Verdot is a bit unusual, but it works nicely. Expressive blue/purplish fruit, crushed flowers, mint and violets add complexity, while firm underlying veins of tannin give the 2014 its sense of freshness and energy.
About the producer
Owned by the same family as Ch. Ausone, Ch. de Fonbel is one of the best-value Saint-Emilion estates. It has a long history stretching back to the Roman era, however its story really begins when Alain Vauthier purchased the property in 1971.