Château de Fonbel 2016

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru|Red wine

3.7/5 (6 customers)

91/100

Robert Parker

92/100

Jeb Dunnuck

16/20

Jancis Robinson

91/100

James Suckling

15/20

Bettane & Desseauve

1*Étoile

Hachette

“Composed of 70% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 7% Carménère, the 2016 Fonbel—which ranges in color from medium to deep garnet-purple—has a classic nose of warm red plums, cigar box, and black plums, with hints of red currant, Sichuan pepper, and tar. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it delivers plenty of fruit in the mid-palate, with lovely, supple tannins and a long, refreshing finish.” (Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown) Unbeatable value for money!

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Estate

Château de Fonbel

Vintage

Grand Cru

Vintage

2016

Designation

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Region

Bordeaux

Grape varieties

70% de merlot, 16% de cabernet sauvignon, 7% de Petit Verdot et 7% de Carmenère, vignes âgées de 25 ans en moyenne

Terroirs

Clay-loam, gravelly, and sandy soils; plots located south of the village of Saint-Emilion

Viticulture

Traditional and refined

Winemaking

Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, with 30% aged in barrels

Livestock farming

30% in barrels

Eye

Beautiful garnet-colored dress

Nose

Powerful and fruity, with a rich, indulgent flavor and notes of black cherry and blackcurrant

Palate

A remarkable tannic structure, with a long, harmonious finish

Serve

Decant at 16-17°C

Drink before

2030

Food and wine pairings

Enjoy it with red meat, game, or a platter of aged cheeses...

More information at Château de Fonbel

More information at Saint-Emilion

Bettane & Desseauve

Wine rated 15/20 (Very good wine)

Rated estate (2020 guide): 2 stars (A solid, recommendable wine, though slightly more consistent and uniform than the previous vintage)

About the wine:

The Carménère adds a hint of black pepper to the blend, which enhances the crisp fruitiness of this 2016 vintage. The tannins remain supple and smooth.

About the estate:

The 16 hectares of Château de Fonbel’s vineyard are located in the Saint-Émilion plain. It is a family-owned estate belonging to Alain Vauthier (who also owns Château Ausone, a flagship wine of the Right Bank). Together with his daughter Pauline, they form a duo that has produced a string of successful vintages, applying the same methods at Fonbel as they do at their First Growth A, both in terms of viticulture and winemaking. With a fresh, fruity style and, above all, great finesse, this wine captivates with its very elegant character; it is increasingly sought after by connoisseurs who appreciate the great names of the region.

Guide Hachette des vins

Wine noted (guide 2020) 1*Star (Very successful wine)

Rated estate (2020 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines regularly receive awards from the guide)

About the wine:

Floral and spicy, with complex notes of flint, this 2016 vintage boasts a silky, well-integrated character and moderate tannins.

About the estate:

Separate yet inseparable: Simard and Haut-Simard were created in 1870 when the Count of Simard’s vast estate was divided by a railroad line; the former comprises 40 hectares, the latter 10 hectares, acquired in 1954 by Claude Mazière and taken over upon his death by his nephew Alain Vauthier (Ausone). The Vauthier family also operates Château de Fonbel, not far from Simard.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

Rated wine (2018 guide) 91/100 (Excellent wine)

Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)

About the wine:

Composed of 70% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 7% Carménère, the 2016 Fonbel, with its medium to deep garnet-purple color, has a classic nose of warm red plums, cigar box, and black plums with hints of red currant, Sichuan pepper, and tar. Medium-bodied to full-bodied on the palate, it delivers plenty of fruit in the mid-palate, with lovely, supple tannins and a long, refreshing finish.

Wine Enthusiast

Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Wine Enthusiast)

Jancis Robinson

Wine rated 16/20

James Suckling

Wine rated 91/100

Jeb Dunnuck

Wine rated (2012 guide) 92/100

Customer rating

3.7/5

based on 6 reviews