Château Magrez Fombrauge - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/30/2016

Using 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, this wine is deeply colored, expressing smoke, licorice, black raspberries and plum jam. On the palate, the wine is lush, rich and concentrated, with opulent textures and a wealth of earthy, black cherries and sweet, boysenberry jam. The wine is powerful, fat and round, yet fresh and balanced.

Wine Advocate

89-91 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2016

The 2015 Magrez-Fombrauge is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc cropped at 25 hl/ha, the former picked on 10 October and the latter on exactly the same day. It is aged in 100% new oak plus three terracotta jars between 200- and 450-liters. It has a huge, decadent, luscious bouquet that almost knocks the senses sideways. The palate is medium-bodied with multilayered, toasty black fruit laced with black pepper and Asian spices, the new oak dominating the finish. It is an impressive Saint Emilion, but frankly I would prefer to find the 2015 Fombrauge on my table.

Vinous

89-92 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

The 2015 Magrez-Fombrauge offers gorgeous aromatic lift, largely from the 30% Cabernet Franc. There is impressive purity to the fruit, but all of that material is going to need time to emerge. The Magrez-Fombrauge is sourced from a terraced site with high-density planting and a high percentage of limestone. Small lot barrel fermentations result in a textured, deep Saint-Émilion with good energy. The 2015 was consistently found buttoned up and reticent on the multiple occasions (four) I tasted it.

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/26/2016

Light floral fragrance and very approachable, ripe, cherry fruit. This could almost be Tuscan in its high acid and chalky tannic texture. Long, intense finish. Clove spice from oak adds some complexity. Good stuff. (RH). Drink 2018-2028.

Wine Enthusiast

94 / 100

the4/15/2016

93–95. Barrel Sample. Chocolate and ripe berry flavors give the wine a full, opulent character. It has some rich, sweet tannins that fill out the bountiful fruits. The wine is in a style that takes full advantage of the quality of the vintage.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

15,5 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/14/2016

Bon vin fruité, au corps légèrement boisé, de longueur moyenne. Profil monolithique.

René Gabriel

18 / 20

the4/10/2016

Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Kompaktes, enorm fruchtiges, aber auch sehr würziges Bouquet, Cassis, Piemontkirschen und Darjeelingnoten, wirkt kompakt und legt stetig zu. Im Gaumen zeigt er eine enorme Dichte, trotzdem stimmt die Extraktion, die Beerenaromatik wird immer reifer gegen das lange Finale. Nicht zwingend (noch) besser als der normale Fombrauge, aber stimmig anders. 18/20 2024 – 2040

Jamessuckling.com

97-98 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2016

Greatest red ever made here. Such concentration and depth. Full and intense. Superb texture and energy. Clarity. Brightness. No makeup.

Wine Spectator

88-91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2016

This shows more heft than purity, with a thick coating of ganache and warm espresso over the core of steeped plum and blackberry fruit. Thick through the finish, this has depth but relies more on muscle than finesse. Not sure I see this stretching out enough to offset the oaky density.—J.M.