Alain Chabanon - Montpeyroux L'Esprit de Font Caude 2020
17,5/20
Jancis Robinson
95/100
RVF
90/100
James Suckling
"As the estate’s flagship wine, this Montpeyroux boasts magnificent structure and is sure to make an impression."
“A magnificent, intense nose revealing aromas of tart red fruits and notes of old church pews. On the palate, flavors of blackberries, wild strawberries, membrillo, and blood orange, distinctly tart and supported by autumnal notes: coppery leaves, damp forest soil, gentle wood smoke, and truffle. Violet on the finish. The tannins are superbly integrated and complement the wine perfectly. It may well age longer than I have suggested.” (Jancis Robinson 2025).
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Eye
Deep carmine-colored dress
Nose
Complex and captivating, with concentrated aromas of dark berries and candied fruit, along with notes of thyme, cade, and spices
Palate
Rich, full-bodied, and well-balanced, with aromas of stewed black fruits and herbs, smooth and silky tannins, a long and lingering finish, and notes of leather and forest floor
Serve
Decant at 15-17°C
Open
Let it sit in a carafe for at least 2 hours before serving
Drink before
2034
Food and Wine Pairings
Enjoy it with beef stew made with Montpeyroux wine, a Camargue bull fillet in a crust, spit-roasted hare in a broth, venison medallions, and braised chestnuts...
Bettane & Desseauve
Winery rated 1*Star (A high-quality, recommendable production that lives up to what one would expect from its appellation(s))
About the estate:
Having settled in Montpeyroux in 1992, after stints at Château Montus and in Corsica, Alain Chabanon also cultivates vineyards in Jonquières, Saint-André, Lagamas, and Saint-Saturnin. A pioneer in organic winemaking, Alain is one of the most refined and fascinating winemakers. While some vintages were occasionally the subject of debate in the past, magnificent new facilities have enabled the estate to take a significant step forward. The aging profiles, which were previously quite noticeable, will evolve significantly with the shift to large oak vats instead of barriques. Concrete “eggs” used for the Mourvèdre grapes have helped enhance their freshness. A bit more body in the wines would allow the estate to compete in a higher tier.
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated Estate: Award-Winning Wines (This producer’s wines regularly receive awards from the guide)
About the estate:
The son of teachers and a winemaking engineer, Alain Chabanon acquired vineyards in 1992 in Montpeyroux and the surrounding villages. He built his winery in the middle of his vineyard (17 ha), which is cultivated using organic methods (certified in 2002) and biodynamic practices (certified in 2011).
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rated (2026 guide) 95/100
Rated estate (2026 guide): 2*Stars (These exceptional estates, often boasting fabulous terroirs, are must-haves that, thanks to the consistency and excellence of their wines, deserve a place in the cellars of discerning wine lovers)
About the wine:
The impact of L'esprit de Font Caude 2020 is superb and guaranteed to last for the next 20 years: a silky brilliance of refined, 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 trade from Alain Brumont in Madiran and Count Peraldi on the “Isle of Beauty.” A dedicated and inspired winemaker, he quickly distinguished himself through hard work in the vineyard and bold decisions regarding both viticultural practices and blending and aging techniques. Patience is key for these unpretentious, highly textured wines, which are aged in stainless steel, concrete eggs, or large oak casks and bottled late, once they have mellowed. The overall impression is balanced and precise, with exemplary management of terroir expression and ripeness. We commend the work that has been done and the distinct personality of each wine.
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated (2025 guide) 17,5/20
About the wine:
A magnificent, intense nose revealing aromas of tart red fruits and hints of old church pews. On the palate, flavors of blackberries, wild strawberries, membrillo, and blood orange—distinctly tart and supported by autumnal notes: coppery leaves, damp forest soil, mild wood smoke, and truffle. Violet on the finish. The tannins are superbly integrated and complement the wine perfectly. It may well age longer than I have suggested.
James Suckling
Wine rated (2025 guide) 90/100
About the wine:
A well-crafted, juicy red blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache, with notes of cherries, cured meats, damp earth, and a hint of pepper. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and an inviting texture. The finish is delightful. Made from biodynamically grown grapes certified by Demeter. Ready to drink now.
Customer Rating
(2019 vintage)
4/5
based on 2 reviews
Review by Mr. PHILIPPE F. Published on September 22, 2025
Amazing—it has so much character; we were completely won over by it.
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Review and comment by Mr. YOLAND S. Posted on May 15, 2025
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1JOUR1VIN PRICE
35
.90
Cash Back | 2.00%
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