Fontenil - Fronsac 2017

Wine Advocate

91

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/17/2020

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored the 2017 Fontenil comes prancing out of the glass with cheery kirsch and black raspberry scents followed by notions of warm plums, star anise and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant, stylish and refreshing with well-played, soft tannins and a perfumed finish. Drinking Window : 2020 - 2032

Jamessuckling.com

91

byJames Sucklingthe1/13/2020

Plenty of flowers and red berries on offer here. This has a spicy-oak edge and delivers a very plush, juicy, red-fruited palate with smooth, fine tannins that soften up at the finish. Drink or hold.

Jeb DUNNUCK

89-92

byJeb Dunnuckthe6/12/2018

I continue to love the wines from Fontenil, which is the home estate of consultant Michel Rolland. The 2017 Château Fontenil is a pleasure-bent effort that has a ripe, rounded, impressively textured style as well as plenty of plum, blackberry and cassis fruit, herbs, and hints of violet-like aromatics. Drink it anytime over the coming decade. It offers more pleasure than most in the vintage.

Vinifera

88

byJacques Perrinthe5/28/2018

Nez chatoyant, expressif, sur le fruit. La bouche est en léger décalage avec un fruité plus ténu et une finale pas totalement accomplie à ce stade.

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92

byJeff Levethe5/11/2018

With suitable color, the nose kicks in with flowers, black cherry, licorice and smoke. On the palate, you'll find Rubenesque, lusciously textured, sweet black cherries, plums and soft, chubby textures with the perfect amount of bitter chocolate to round things off in the end.

Vinous

89-91

byNeal Martinthe5/1/2018

The 2017 Fontenil is well defined, and quite focused compared to the previous two vintages. It has a rather conservative bouquet that nevertheless has fine intensity with attractive black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, just a nagging green vein towards the second half that just discombobulates the finish and lingers unwanted on the aftertaste. That may dissipate during the élevage – we will see.

Wine Advocate

88-90

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/27/2018

The 2017 Fontenil is deep garnet-purple in color and sports warm blackberries, cassis and plums notes with an earthy background and a waft of baking spices. Medium-bodied with soft tannins and refreshing acidity, it has plenty of juicy fruit and good length.

WeinWisser

17

byRené Gabrielthe4/25/2018

Jean-Marc QUARIN

15,5

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/17/2018

Wine Enthusiast

87-89

byRoger Vossthe4/17/2018

Ripe with generous tannins and rich fruit, this is a soft, juicy wine full of blackberry notes. The wine will develop quickly and be ready to drink from 2022.

Jamessuckling.com

91-92

byJames Sucklingthe4/6/2018

A solid red for the vintage with dark berries, dark chocolate and some crushed-stone character. Medium body, a pretty core of fruit and a clean finish.

Wine Spectator

89-92

byJames Molesworththe4/4/2018

Ripe and forward plum and blueberry fruit sails through, featuring a light charcoal spine for balance. Shows flashes of herb and spice, with some sneaky length.—J.M.