Description
The history of Château de Fonbel refers to the Vauthier family. This wonderful vintage, nestled near the medieval town of Saint Emilion is one of three properties managed by Alain and Pauline Vauthier who work every day to produce exceptional wines.
The vineyard of Château de Fonbel is located in the plain of Saint-Emilion, installed on some 16 hectares. The soils are sandy-gravelly and 4 grape varieties coexist here: Merlot (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (52%), Petit Verdot (10%) and Carmenère (5%). Alain Vauthier and his daughter Pauline (Châteaux Ausone and Moulin St.-Georges) have significantly raised the level of this property using the same methods as for Château Ausone. They put all their expertise in this property to achieve a very large Saint Emilion Grand Cru. The average age of the vines in the vineyard is 20 years and the harvest is done manually. The fermentation takes place in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats and the aging takes place in barrels of which 30% are new for 12 months.
Tasting Notes
This property is owned and managed by the Vauthier family of Château Ausone. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Fonbel—composed mainly of Merlot with splashes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère and Petit Verdot—is scented of warm black plums, blackberry preserves, tar and bay leaves with touches of scorched earth and chargrill. Medium to full-bodied with very fine, silky tannins and amazing freshness, the palate offers stacks of red and black fruits, going minerally on the long finish. [92 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown – February 2018, robertparker.com]
