Castle Fombrauge - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2011

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/2/2014

The estate of Bernard Magrez has fashioned an attractive dark ruby/purple-colored 2011 offering lots of mulberry and black cherry fruit as well as a sexy, soft, round core, velvety tannin and a heady, lush, seductive finish. It is another brilliant effort from Bernard Magrez’s team. A sleeper of the vintage, it should provide immense pleasure over the next 7-10 years.

Wine Spectator

88 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/11/2014

A pumped-up style, with hefty ganache and dark toasty vanilla bean notes, offering layers of fig sauce and crushed plum fruit. The graphite frame keeps this honest. Best from 2015 through 2020.

Les Echos

16 / 10

by Bettane & Desseauvethe12/4/2013

Ona du volume, une densité harmonieuse et une aromatique déclinant les fruits noirs, avec une finale montante du meilleur effet.

La Revue du Vin de France

14,5-15,5 / 20

the5/31/2012

80% merlot, 15% cabernet franc (14° de moyenne) et 5% de jeunes vignes de malbec qui donnent de très bon résultats. Rendement : 43hl/ha (10 de plus qu'en 2010). Moins de la moitié en fûts neufs et 20% vinifiés et élévés en cuves béton. Style mûr, gras, charnu, avec une conclusion fruitée et fraîche grâce aux francs. Il s'ouvrira assez vite.

Decanter.com

16,5 / 20

the4/30/2012

Performs well in the vintage. Lovely layered fruit, a smooth texture and tannins and a fine, fresh finish. Drink 2017-2026.

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2012

Composed of 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and a tiny dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2011 is a spicy, straightforward, deep plum/ruby/purple-colored effort displaying powerful tannins as well as a slight austerity. There is also plenty of creamy, rich blueberry and black raspberry fruit intermixed with hints of crushed rocks and bay leaves. It should be close to full maturity in 3-4 years and last for 12-15. Owned by Bordeaux visionary/entrepreneur deluxe, Bernard Magrez, this is still the largest vineyard in St.-Emilion.

TAST

16-16,5 / 20

by Bettane & Desseauvethe4/30/2012

Nez de fruits noirs agrémenté de touche épicées, bouche bien enrobée avec des tanins harmonieux, il y a un beau volume.

Wein Wisser

16 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/30/2012

2018-2035

The Wine Cellar Insider

88-91 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/27/2012

Coffee, licorice, smoke, black raspberry and truffle scents lead to a soft, medium bodied wine ending with a cocoa covered black cherry finish. 88-91 Pts

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/27/2012

Tasted twice with consistent notes, the Fombrauge ’11 seems a little light on the nose with cassis and blueberry fruit that is rather diffuse. The palate is a little peppery on the entry with fine tannins: a more feminine Fombrauge and for me, it demonstrates more composure and better balance than the Magrez-Fombrauge. The tannins on the finish are powdery but it retains admirable focus. Tasted April 2012

Wine Spectator

89-92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2012

Youthfully raw, with dark plum, currant and blackberry fruit still settling in, along with roasted tobacco and dark fig-bread notes. Nice bass note already. Will the treble fill in?—J.M.