Fonbel 2010

St Emilion, Grand Cru

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Tasting Notes

Tasted at Chateau Ausone, the Fonbel ’10 is a little reticent on the nose at first, opening with attractive oyster shell notes accompanying the bright red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. It is well balanced with black cherries and redcurrant, a welcome pinch of spice towards the tightly coiled finish. Perhaps I was expecting a little more persistency after its bottle showing, although it serves as a decent follow-up to the 2009 Fonbel.

Score: 89

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 March 2013

Very dark berried, slightly herbaceous fruit on the nose that is well defined and quite rustic compared to recent vintages. The palate is full-bodied with firm, strict tannins, somehow reminding me of a Malbec. Good weight and length, but not as complex as the 2009. Tasted March 2011.

Score: 87 - 89

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 27 April 2011

A very good, competent St.-Emilion with notes of cedar, roasted herbs, lavender, black cherries and spice, there is something southern Rhone-like to this wine’s aromatics. However, on the palate, the wine is classic Bordeaux, with moderate tannin, medium weight, and good freshness and precision. Drink it over the next decade.

Score: 87

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2013-2023 01 February 2013

From Alain Vauthier, the proprietor of Ausone, Fonbel’s 2010 reveals surprisingly high acidity as well as a more narrow constitution than expected given the winemaking team responsible for its production. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with some minerality and red and black fruits, but it seems monolithic compared to its peers. Drink it during its first 10-12 years of life.

Score: 85 - 87

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 04 May 2011

Rich with full-on sweet fruit attack. Slightly one-dimensional but there is nice plum jam character. Enjoyable with decent structure.

Score: 90 - 92

Albany Vintners, - 28 April 2011

Sister of Ausone. Dark cherry red. Very rich nose. Then thick and flattering. A bit sweeter than one associates with a premier grand cru. Then a little bit dry but not forced.

Score: 16

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2015-2022 14 April 2011

Taut with briar and blackberry flavors, this shows sappy black cherry on the finish, with buried minerality.

Score: 88 - 91

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 01 April 2011

Lively, fresh and accented towards the fruit. Has the originality of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Petit Verdot in the blend. Good value, easy drinking.

Score: 15 - 16

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2013-2018 01 April 2011