2020 de Fonbel
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Deepest crimson. Intensely leafy and cedary. Sweet-sour on the palate, the acid not integrated. Thick, firm tannins, dense and just a little bit sharp on the finish. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Château de Fonbel has a light and airy bouquet of blackberry, bilberry, cedar and cigar box scents. The palate is medium-bodied with scrawny tannins and balsamic-tinged black fruit, leading to a rather monotonous finish. This is a disappointing showing, which could be due to the bottle. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Fully 70% of the Vauthier family's 2020 Fonbel was aged in tank, and that no doubt helps to explain its appealing purity of fruit. Bursting with notes of cherries, berries, petals and anise, it's medium to full-bodied, lively and charming.
A juicy and fruity red with plums, ripe cherries and ash. Medium body. Delicious fruit and a soft and fruity finish. Drink now or hold.
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.