Le Point / 20 byJacques Dupontthe5/21/2015 80% merlot, 10% cabernet-sauvignon, 5% carménère, 5% petit verdot. 14 - Prune, violette, épicée, fruité particulier, bouche souple, en finesse.
Vinous 88-91 / 100 byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2015 The 2014 Fonbel is dark, supple and nicely balanced in the glass, with delicate fruit and a racy personality. The blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carmenere and 5% Petit Verdot is a bit unusual, but it works nicely. Expressive blue/purplish fruit, crushed flowers, mint and violets add complexity, while firm underlying veins of tannin give the 2014 its sense of freshness and energy.
The Wine Cellar Insider 88-89 / 100 byJeff Levethe5/5/2015 From a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carmenere and 5% Petit Verdot, this wine exhibits a soft, elegant, black cherry and spicy character. 88-89 Pts
Wine Advocate 88-90 / 100 byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015 The Château de Fonbel 2014 is a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carmenère and 5% Petit Verdot picked September 27-October 5, fermented in stainless steel and aged in 30% new barrels. It has a light but fragrant bouquet of wild strawberry and raspberry, not complex, but nicely defined. There is a little more complexity here compared to the Simard with light gravel and dried flower scents underneath the red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly grainy tannin. This is not a rich or a flamboyant de Fonbel, but it has an easy-drinking approachability, the kind of Saint Emilion that I suspect will be one that you just want to drink.
Asian Palate 90-91 / 100 byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2015 Intensely aromatic with lovely layers of flavors - the blend is very unique with 80% Merlot but also 5% Carmenere, 5% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A gorgeous, elegant wine with fairly long finish.
Decanter.com 16 / 20 byJames Lawther MWthe4/17/2015 Fruity and floral, the 5% each Carmenere and Petit Verdot emphasising the fruit aspect. Palate juicy and constructed with sufficient mid-palate fruit. Drink: 2017-2024 (86)
Jamessuckling.com 88-89 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe4/10/2015 A fine and beautiful wine with mineral, plum and berry character. Medium body. This is mostly merlot with cabernet sauvignon, carménère and petit verdot.
Wine Enthusiast 90 / 100 byRoger Vossthe4/1/2015 89–91. Barrel Sample. This wine has structure behind a smoky character. Fresh and crisp on the palate, bright acidity cuts through the tannins to give a juicy, very refreshing finish. — R.V. (4/2/2015)