France

Ch. Fombrauge

Chateau Fombrauge Grand Cru Classe Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

The 2020 Fombrauge is a blend of 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it storms out with pronounced notes of baked black plums, mulberries, and black cherry preserves, plus suggestions of licorice, tar, and truffles. The full-bodied palate is jam packed with ripe, rich, black fruits, supported by plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and spicy.

by Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

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.

Inside Bordeaux

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.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Fombrauge has impressive purity on the nose, with notes of ripe plums and fresh blackberries followed by hints of licorice, cedar, and wild thyme. The medium to full-bodied palate is refreshing and vibrant, with plenty of black fruit and a peppery finish.

The 2022 Fombrauge, 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It bursts with bold notes of juicy blueberries, blackberry pie, and pencil shavings, followed by hints of dusty soil and garrigue. The medium to full-bodied palate is rich and juicy, with plenty of spicy sparks and a plush texture, finishing long and spicy.

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.

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. 

Category	Red wine
Vinmonopolet no.
Producer	Ch. Fombrauge
Vintages	2020
Country	France, Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Bottle	75 cl

Alcohol	%
Acid	%
Sugar	g/l

Packaging
Cork type
Selection
Wholesaler
Carrier