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 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.

by Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

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.

A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 Fombrauge is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It has subtle notes of black cherries and dried cranberries, with suggestions of garrigue, tar, and fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate is plush and juicy, with plenty of freshness and a spicy kick on the finish.

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.

Touch of reduction on the nose, clear effort to keep the fruits to the fore, raspberry, red cherry and blueberry. This is good quality and vibrant, more pared down than in older vintages of Fombrauge, definite edges of flint and smoke, still big shouldered and muscular. Tasted twice.

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	2001
Country	France, Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Bottle	75 cl

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