Fontenil - Fronsac 2023

My Bettane + Desseauve

91-92

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/15/2024

Un classique de Fronsac dont le potentiel est réel, charme velouté et épicé. Le vin prend progressivement de la longueur.

Yvesbeck.wine

92-93

byYves Beckthe5/14/2024

Gelungene Symbiose zwischen Frucht, Terroir und holzigen Nuancen im Bouquet von Fontenil 2023. Einladende Düfte dunkler Beeren, ergänzt durch einen Hauch von Feuerstein, Röstnuancen und eine erfrischende Minznoten. Gute Dichte am Gaumen, wo der Wein Charme und Breite hat. Dies verdankt er den seidigen Tanninen und seiner Säurestruktur. Zusammengenommen bilden diese Komponenten genügend Substanz, um einen längeren Aufenthalt im Keller zu ermöglichen. Ein eleganter, aber auch kräftiger und lang anhaltender Wein.

Jeb DUNNUCK

92-94

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/13/2024

Ripe black cherries, hints of cassis, classy oak, and violets all emerge from the 2023 Château Fontenil, a gorgeously textured, layered Fronsac revealing ripe tannins, just about flawless balance, and a great finish. It actually reminds me slightly of the 2019. If you see it, you should buy it. While a Defi de Fontenil will be released, it wasn’t available to taste due to late malolactic fermentation.

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94

byJeff Levethe5/6/2024

Dark in color, the wine exudes flowers, black with red fruits, licorice, cocoa, citrus, and crushed rocks. Lush, as well as refined, the wine is vibrant, creamy, and expressive, with loads of minerality that becomes even more apparent as the finish lingers and expands. Considering the small size of the vineyard, taking 20 days to harvest explains the success of the wine this year. The wine is produced from 100% Merlot. Drink from 2026-2042. 92-94 Pts.

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

93

byJane Ansonthe5/6/2024

Salt scrape textured minerality, this is an enjoyably inky, savoury and sappy Fontenil with well-judged grilled oak, and ripe blueberry and raspberry fruits that are intense and ripe without being overly sweet.

Vinous

91-93

byAntonio Gallonithe4/30/2024

The 2023 Fontenil (100% Merlot) is bold and explosive right out of the gate. Succulent dark fruit, chocolate, spice, licorice, menthol and a kiss of French oak race across the palate. Silky, plush tannins wrap it all together. This is a stellar showing.

Vinous

91-93

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2024

The 2023 Fontenil has a pretty and pure bouquet with black cherries, boysenberry and light floral scents, all finely delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins, fine backbone, more freshness than some of its Fronsac peers and a delightful saline finish. Bon vin.

Falstaff

91

byPeter Moserthe4/29/2024

Dark ruby, purple reflections, brightening at the edge. Delicately roasted aromas, blackberry confit, dark cherries, orange zest in the background. Medium body, deli- cately leafy aromas, vivid tannins, mineral aftertaste, salty finish.

Alexandre Ma

90-92

byAlexandre Mathe4/28/2024

Jamessuckling.com

91-92

byJames Sucklingthe4/25/2024

A solid and structured red with medium body and firm tannins. Attractive dark and blue fruit with hints of coffee and wet stones. Shows good tension and length.

Vertdevin

91

byJonathan Chicheportichethe4/24/2024