France

Ch. Fombrauge

Chateau Fombrauge Grand Cru Classe Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Raspberry leaf and redcurrant fruits, with chalky tannins that have finesse and lift, carefully extracted with gentle campfire smoke, although the hand of 2024 comes through in the soft mid-palate. Harvest September 27 to October 11, 60ha of vines here, 26hl/h yield, 70% in oak barrels with half of those new oak, plus 30% across stainless steel, clay and cement vats. Tasted twice. Largest Grand Cru Classe of St Emilion at 58 hectares, owned by Bernard Magrez.

Inside Bordeaux

Deep garnet-purple colored. Sails out of the glass with notes of fresh blueberries and black raspberries, plus nuances of anise, garrigue, and wet slate. The light to medium-bodied palate is lively and soft with pure black and red berry flavors and a spicy lift on the finish.

by Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

Deep ruby, blackberry and raspberry fruits, cocoa bean, espresso, juicy and intensely spice, needs more nuance to throw into relief the grilled oak.

Luscious damson, grilled vanilla bean, blueberry and blackberry puree character to the wine, it's creamy and ripe but has balance and length. Enjoyable. Bernard Magrez estate.

Edge of reduction, this needs a good few years, reflecting a bigger structure and clear tannnic build compared to many of its siblings in the vintage. Fresh acidities make the tannins a little austere and even bitter, but there is plenty of charm here, and plentiful blue and black fruits. Harvest September 30 to October 18, 35% new oak.

Richly expressed sweet blackberry and red cherry fruit offset by bitter chocolate shavings, plenty of volume through the mid palate, well executed, careful and precise, with firm tannins that form shoulders and walls. Bernard Magrez owner, Olivier Desmond director, Michel Rolland consultant at this 58ha estate. Heavy bottle.

The 2019 Fombrauge is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it wafts out with fragrant notes of potpourri, underbrush, and Chinese five spice with a core of kirsch and blackberry pie. The full-bodied palate delivers generous, mouth-coating black fruits with a plush texture and great length.

The 2018 Fombrauge is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs coaxing to bring out baked plums, cassis, and juicy black cherries, with hints of pencil lead and dried herbs, plus cigars. Full-bodied, the palate is firm and grainy, with a bright, refreshing backbone, and a long, mineral-tinged finish. 

2024	No priceNot available	Excellent
2023	No priceNot available	Excellent
2022	No priceNot available	Excellent
2021	No priceNot available	Very Good
2020	No priceNot available	Outstanding

Category	Red wine
Vinmonopolet no.
Producer	Ch. Fombrauge
Vintages	2024
Country	France, Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Bottle	75 cl

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