Alain Chabanon - Montpeyroux L'Esprit de Font Caude 2020
17,5/20
Jancis Robinson
95/100
RVF
90/100
James Suckling
"The flagship wine of the estate, this Montpeyroux has a magnificent structure that will not leave you indifferent."
"A magnificent, intense nose revealing aromas of tart red fruits and notes of old church pews. On the palate, flavors of blackberries, wild strawberries, quince, and blood orange, distinctly tart and supported by autumnal notes: coppery leaves, damp forest soil, sweet wood smoke, and truffle. Violet on the finish. The tannins are superbly integrated and accompany the wine to perfection. It could well age longer than I have suggested." (Jancis Robinson 2025).
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Eye
Deep crimson dress
Nose
Complex and captivating, concentrated aromas of black berries and candied fruit, notes of thyme, cade, and spices.
Mouth
Rich, full-bodied and balanced, with aromas of stewed black fruits and herbs, silky, well-integrated tannins, a long, persistent finish, and notes of leather and undergrowth.
Serve
Decant at 15-17°C
Open
Leave in a carafe for at least 2 hours before serving.
Drink before
2034
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with beef stew cooked in Montpeyroux wine, Camargue bull fillet en croûte, spit-roasted hare with saupiquet sauce, venison medallions and braised chestnuts...
Bettane & Desseauve
Winery rated 1*Star (A serious, recommendable production, consistent with what one would expect from its appellation(s))
About the estate:
Settling in Montpeyroux in 1992, after spending time at Château Montus and in Corsica, Alain Chabanon also cultivates plots in Jonquières, Saint-André, Lagamas, and Saint-Saturnin. A pioneer among organic winemakers, Alain is one of the most refined and exciting winemakers around. Some of his wines have been controversial in the past, but magnificent new facilities have enabled him to take a step forward. The aging process, which remained visible, will evolve significantly with the switch from barrels to casks. Concrete eggs for the Mourvèdres have added freshness. A little more body in the wines would enable the estate to compete in a higher category.
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated estate Award-winning wines (This producer's wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the estate:
The son of teachers and an engineer and oenologist, Alain Chabanon acquired vineyards in 1992 in Montpeyroux and the surrounding villages. He built his winery in the middle of his vineyard (17 hectares), which is cultivated organically (certified in 2002) and biodynamically (2011).
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rating (2026 guide) 95/100
Rated estate (2026 guide) 2 stars (These very large estates, often blessed with fabulous terroirs, are must-haves which, thanks to their consistency and the excellence of their production, deserve a place in the cellars of discerning wine lovers).
About wine:
The impact of L'esprit de Font Caude 2020 is superb and guaranteed for the next 20 years: silky smooth refined and spicy tannins, with a finish that leaves you dreaming.
About the estate:
Alain Chabanon settled on the outskirts of Montpeyroux in 1992 after learning the ropes with Alain Brumont in Madiran and Count Peraldi on the Isle of Beauty. A dedicated and inspired winemaker, he quickly made a name for himself with his hard work in the vineyard and his bold choices in terms of viticulture, blending, and aging. Patience is required for these unadorned and very tactile wines, which are aged in stainless steel, concrete eggs or oak casks and bottled late after maturing. The overall impression is accurate and precise, with exemplary management of terroir expressions and ripeness. We salute the work that has been done and the assertive personality of each of the wines.
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated (2025 guide) 17,5/20
About wine:
A magnificent, intense nose revealing aromas of tart red fruits and notes of old church pews. On the palate, flavors of blackberries, wild strawberries, quince, and blood orange, distinctly tart and supported by autumnal notes: coppery leaves, damp forest soil, sweet wood smoke, and truffle. Violet on the finish. The tannins are superbly integrated and accompany the wine to perfection. It could well age longer than I have suggested.
James Suckling
Wine rated (2025 guide) 90/100
About wine:
A well-crafted, juicy red blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache, with notes of cherries, charcuterie, damp earth, and a hint of pepper. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and an inviting texture. The finish is delicious. Made from biodynamically grown grapes certified by Demeter. Ready to drink now.
Customer rating
3/5
based on 1 review
Review and opinion by Mr. THIERRY B. Published on 11/17/2025
See all reviews from this customer
ESTATE PRICE
33
.90
Cash Back | 2.00%
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