Fontenil - Fronsac 2023

The Wine Palate

94

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/9/2026

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Le Défi de Fontenil erupts from the glass with powerful notes of blueberry preserves and black cherry compote, followed by hints of sandalwood, violets, and licorice, with a waft of fallen leaves. The full-bodied palate is rich and velvety, with just enough freshness and a long, opulent finish.

Jeb DUNNUCK

93

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/31/2026

Ripe red and black cherries, spicy wood, leafy tobacco, and hints of chocolate all define the 2023 Château Fontenil, a gorgeous, pure, balanced Fronsac from clay and limestone soils that will compete with any number of terrific Pomerol. Aged 15 to 18 months in 40% new French oak, it's ripe and medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a round, layered mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. Drink this graceful, incredibly satisfying Fronsac over the coming 15+ years. Drink 2026-2041.

The Wine Cellar Insider

94

byJeff Levethe3/30/2026

Chocolate-coated cherries, licorice, smoke, and flowers define the nose. On the palate, the wine is even better with its lush, creamy, layers of smoked cherries, dark chocolate, licorice and minerality that comes in at the end of the finish. 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 2027-2042.

Vinous

93

byAntonio Gallonithe3/16/2026

The 2023 Fontenil is a huge, dense wine that needs time to shed some of its baby fat. Inky dark fruit, licorice, chocolate, new leather, incense and espresso race across the palate. This explosive, sumptuous Fronsac hits all the right notes. There's a lot of wine here.

Vinous

91

byNeal Martinthe2/1/2026

The 2023 Fontenil has a perfumed nose, with a mixture of red and black fruit, red peppercorns and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied, with supple tannins, fine acidity, rounded in texture though I would just like a modicum more grip on the finish. Otherwise, this is a fine Fontenil.

Jamessuckling.com

91

byJames Sucklingthe1/27/2026

Fruit-forward, showing ripe cherries, plums and hints of hibiscus and spices. Medium- to full-bodied with a direct, flavorful impact on the palate and some chewy tannins. Tight and compact at the end, with a medium-long finish. Better from 2028.

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