2025 Fonbadet
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Tasting notes
The 2025 Fonbadet, which is matured in 50% new oak, has a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and light allspice scents. The oak is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins, quite muscular for a 2025 barrel sample, grippy, but there is a surfeit of freshness on the slightly chocolaty finish. Give this three or four years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
A big, rich, and concentrated beauty, the 2025 Château Fonbadet has been dramatically restructured from 11 hectares down to 1.5. Red and black fruits, graphite, lead pencil, and chocolate, as well as crushed stone, all define the aromatics of this inky, full-bodied, mouthfilling Pauillac. Based on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot that will spend 16 to 18 months in 50% new French oak, it has solid tannins and a great finish. It's going to come together nicely in bottle and has ample classic Pauillac character.
A firm and tight red with black currant, graphite and stone character. Medium-bodied. Polished and thoughtful.
The 2025 Fonbadet is especially fine this year. Ripe, sensual and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2025 is seriously impressive. Black cherry, lavender, mocha, new leather and licorice caress the palate. Proprietor Pascal Peronnie sold most of his holdings to Pichon Comtesse but kept a few choice parcels, including 1.5 hectares here. Fonbadet has never been this great, at least not in my memory. Don't miss it. Tasted two times.