Château de Fonbel 2016

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.

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 dynamic duo that has produced a string of successful vintages by applying the same methods at Fonbel as they do at their First Growth A estate, 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 and is increasingly sought after by connoisseurs who appreciate the great names of the region.

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

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, which were 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.

Composed of 70% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 7% Carménère, the 2016 Fonbel, with a medium-to-deep purple-garnet color, 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.