2018 Fontenil
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Tasting notes
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fontenil hits the ground running with vivacious notes of baked black plums, stewed black cherries and black raspberry preserves, followed by hints of molten licorice, ground cloves and sandalwood. The rich, full-bodied palate (15% alcohol) is jam-packed with black fruit preserves and exotic spice accents, framed by plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Fontenil retains its gorgeous bouquet of exuberant scents of red cherries and raspberry coulis and hints of honey and marmalade, beautifully defined and utterly seductive. The palate is very well balanced and focused, and fine tannins lend firm backbone and grip. This is a classy, vibrant, captivating Fontenil that should loosen up and drink well for 15–20 years. Excellent.
The 2018 Château Fontenil is a beautiful wine that readers will be happy to have in their cellar. Coming from the home estate of Michel and Danny Rolland in Fronsac, it offers a saturated ruby/purple hue as well as terrific Pomerol-like aromas and flavors of cassis, damp earth, violets, and cedary spice. Flawlessly balanced, medium-bodied, with background oak as well as chalky minerality, it's already hard to resist yet has another 10-15 years of prime drinking ahead of it. It's a hidden gem in the vintage.