St Emilion
JAMES LAWTHER MW - JANCIS ROBINSON
85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carmenère. Barrel sample.Fresh fruit aroma and flavour with a savoury edge. Palate lively, juicy, with light, chalky tannins. Simple but appetising. Score: 16/20.
This estate has a long history that dates back to the time when the ancient Romans were active in Saint-Émilion and cultivated grapes for wine. However, the modern era for the Château de Fonbel began in 1971, when Alain Vauthier bought the estate. It also has the 1er Grand Cru Classé A Château Ausone , Château Moulin Saint Georges but also the Grand Cru Classé La Clotte . Today, Pauline Vauthier, his daughter who graduated in agro-food and oenology, is in charge of the management of the property. Advised by another Bordeaux oenologist, Gilles Pauquet, father and daughter continually seek to improve the quality of new vintages produced at Château de Fonbel.
The 16 hectare vineyard, located not far from Ausone on the Saint-Emilion plain, stretches over clayey-sandy, gravelly and sandy soils. The grape variety is made up of Merlot (85%), Cabernet sauvignon (10%) and Carmenere (5%).The average age of the vines of 20 years ensures good grape quality during the harvest. Each new vintage, after vinification, is aged in oak barrels, 30% of which are new.
#end19
