de Fonbel 2012

Type: Red Wine      Volume: 750ml

Winery: de Fonbel

Country: France     Region: Bordeaux

District: St Emilion Grand Cru

Grapes Varieties: 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Carmènere

Classification:      Production: 

Alcohol: 13% abv     Packing: Original Carton of 6 bottles

Ratings and Tasting Notes:

AG=91 Graphite, dark blue/black fruit, smoke and spices meld together in the 2012 de Fonbel. Beams of supporting minerality and tannin give the 2012 much of its energy and sense of direction. This is a very pretty, impeccably balanced wine from the Vauthier family. The blend is 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Carmenère. Drink this attractive Saint-Emilion over the next decade or so. WA=89-91 A blend of 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Carmenere, picked between 5th and 16th October, the Fonbel has a candied, almost chocolate tinged bouquet that is nicely defined. The palate is medium-bodied – smooth and harmonious, and although there is not great depth here, is approachable, pure and offers fine tension on the finish. The oak is quite prudent (30%) and it should age well. Tasted April 2013. JS=88 A firm and chewy wine with blueberry and cherry character. A little austere now. Closed up. Needs a year or two to soften. Better in 2016.