2018 Fonroque

The 2018 Fonroque, which I gave an hour’s decant, has retained its very opulent, quite ostentatious bouquet of black cherries, fig, cassis and touches of black olive. The palate is medium-bodied and candied on the entry. This is very exuberant, with blood-orange-infused red fruit, gaining better focus toward the delineated finish. I wish the aromatics were just toned down a notch, because otherwise, this is a decent Saint-Émilion.

Checking in as a blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Château Fonroque offers a rich, powerful nose of ripe black fruits and cassis as well as vanilla bean, spice box, and chocolate. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and concentrated, it has plenty of background oak, a great mid-palate, and one heck of a terrific finish. This is the real deal and certainly the finest wine I've tasted from the estate. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade. It should be a stunning value.

A biodynamic Alain Moueix property that is certified organic on the limestone plateau with clay on the slopes. 82% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc picked relatively early from 17 September to 1 October. Aged in 30% new barrels and 70% second use. First bottle tasted on 23 January 2021: Terrible TCA so no score . Second bottle tasted on 12 February 2021: Lustrous dark blackish crimson. Rich spread of aromas that constitute an intriguing cocktail of fruit, dried fruits and tar followed by real energy on the palate. Some velvety quality. Ideally wait until the light oaky imprint before drinking. Clean, rather refreshing finish. (JR)