2022 de Fonbel
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Tasting notes
Ch. de Fonbel sits on gravel soils, so the heat stress was a bit more of a challenge here, Edouard Vauthier explained. The result, however, is a superb and vibrant wine. Pure and dark-fruited, it’s one of the many wines this year that seem to taste totally different to their analysis. With 14.5% alcohol and 3.72pH, it’s beautifully integrated, fresh and crunchy with delicate tannin structure. An excellent result – and one of our favourites from the Vauthier stable this year.
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
From a 16-hectare vineyard on sandy soils on the plain, the 2022 Fonbel has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of cherries, blood orange and petals, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and nicely concentrated palate with a sweet core of fruit.
The 2022 Château De Fonbel is more rounded and layered, with beautiful cassis and black cherry fruits intermixed with chocolaty herbs, graphite, and crushed stone. This ripe, textured, medium to full-bodied 2022 has beautiful tannins and outstanding length. I like it today, and it should have 10-12 years, if not slightly longer, of prime drinking.
The 2022 Château de Fonbel has that sorbet-like freshness and vitality than I remarked upon from barrel, featuring light blueberry and cassis scents and a touch of violet coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth texture, graphite-tinged black fruit tones and a hint of dark chocolate. This is quite opulent on the finish but not overpowering or blowsy. Give this two or three years in bottle and it will become a quite delicious Saint-Émilion.
About the producer
Owned by the same family as Ch. Ausone, Ch. de Fonbel is one of the best-value Saint-Emilion estates. It has a long history stretching back to the Roman era, however its story really begins when Alain Vauthier purchased the property in 1971.