Castle of Fonbel - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2012

Vinous

91 / 100

the1/31/2016

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.

Jamessuckling.com

88 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2015

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.

Le Point

14,5-15 / 20

byJacques Dupontthe5/16/2013

Nez bien fruité, sucrosité en bouche, épices, long, très gourmand. O= 2016 G= 8 ans

Wine Advocate

89-91 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/6/2013

A blend of 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Carmenère, 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.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

14 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/29/2013

Vin fruité à la structure douce, suave, au corps et à la longueur moyens.

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe4/26/2013

Drink 2016-2022
Sandy soil with clay and gravel. 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Carmenère. Much more Cabernet character on the nose, with the perfume of Petit Verdot. Fine and juicy and lots of easy pleasure without being over simple. Likely to be GV. (JH)

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/26/2013

A sleeper of the vintage, the dark ruby/purple-colored 2012 Fonbel offers up sweet aromas of mulberries, raspberries, forest floor and loamy soil. Medium-bodied with abundant fruit, glycerin and length, it should drink well for a decade.
Drink: 2013 - 2023

The Wine Cellar Insider

87-88 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/26/2013

Blending 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Carmenere, the wine is aged in 30% new French oak. Soft in texture, with spice, cherry and herbal notes, the wine ends with spicy blackberries. 87-88 Pts

My Bettane + Desseauve

14,5 / 20

the4/22/2013

Ce vin issu d’un encépagement très varié (merlot, franc, cabernet-sauvignon, petit verdot, carménère !) possède un fruité finement poivronné, un corps tendre et souple, alliant longueur en fraîcheur.

Decanter.com

15,5 / 20

the4/22/2013

Lively, fresh and fragrant. Leafy freshness on the finish. A touch fluid but attractive early drinking. 15.5/20pts ( 85/100pts)
Drink: 2016 - 2020
Taster: James Lawther MW

Jamessuckling.com

90-91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/4/2013

This shows loads of fruit on the finish with dark chocolate and blueberries. Full and dense yet very long and structured. A beauty. Impressive. Close to the 2010. Maybe the same quality level?