2022 Chateau de Fonbel, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Chateau de Fonbel, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Colour: Red

Vintage: 2022

Region: Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

In our week of non-stop tasting across the Left- and Right-Bank we found many wines with so much fruit and charm they are difficult to resist. In the right hands 2022 has produced some irresistible wines at all price levels. One that stood out for us was Chateau De Fonbel, from the Vauthier stable. It is a wine that you will not regret having in your cellar – particularly in large formats. At the price, we think this is a wine that consistently overdelivers. It is the perfect step into the Vauthier universe. Owned by the Vauthier family of Ausone fame, since 1971, De Fonbel is a 16ha vineyard which lays claim to the largest amount of Carmenere planted on the Right Bank. The terroir is a mix of clay, sand and gravel soils at the bottom of the slope not far from Ausone, and Moulin St-Georges, the family’s other properties. Ausone expertise without the price tag, this is a wine to enjoy any night of the week.

Tasting Notes and Scores

92-93 JS

A juicy and flavorful red with lots of red fruits, currants, cloves and some nutmeg. It's full and layered with lots of fruit. 85% merlot, 10% cabernet sauvignon and 5% carmenere.

James Suckling

90-92 AG

The 2022 De Fonbel is gorgeous. Rich, plummy and super-expressive, Fonbel is an absolute delight in 2022. Succulent red cherry, plum, spice, rose petal and mocha are nicely pushed forward. The 2022 is a supple, charming Saint-Émilion that will drink well with minimal cellaring. In this tasting it is an absolute delight. The blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Carménère works so well here.

Antonio Galloni

90-92 JD

The 2022 Château De Fonbel is based on 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Carmenère. Ripe black cherries, redcurrants, tobacco, chocolate, and some chalky earth all define the aromatics, and it's another rich, medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, elegant, layered 2022 with tons of character.

Jeb Dunnuck

90 DR

Black cherry, blueberry and cassis fruits on the opening beats, this is an intense Fonbel that leans into the vintage character but always stays on the right side of balance. A good quality wine with clear ageing ability, a little less immediately charming that in less highly charged vintages. Clay-sand soils with areas of gravel. Cellar master Philippe Baillarguet. 30% new oak. Harvest September 15 to 21, with the unusual addition of Carmanère in the blend.

Decanter

89-91 RP

Exhibiting aromas of plums, raspberries and cherries along with an attractive top note of violets, the 2022 Fonbel is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and taut, with youthfully chewy tannins and a long, penetrating finish.

Wine Advocate

89-91 NM

The 2022 Château de Fonbel was picked from 15 to 28 September and matured in 30% barrel, the rest in stainless steel. It has a lifted nose with a subtle oyster shell tincture, vibrant with a sorbet-like freshness. The palate is medium-bodied with a lightly spiced entry, modest depth, vanilla and cinnamon infusing the black fruit with a nicely detailed finish. Give this just a couple of years in bottle.

Neal Martin

Chateau de Fonbel, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru