Magnum Château Fombrauge - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2012

Vinous

90 / 100

the1/31/2016

The 2012 Fombrauge is laced with the essence of raspberry jam, wild flowers, spices, smoke and licorice. Striking, exotic aromatics and modern contours give the Fombrauge much of its distinctive personality. There isn't a whole lot of subtlety here, yet the 2012 offers tons of immediacy in an uncomplicated style that is best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2015

From the stable of Bernard Magrez, Fombrauge is one of the largest estates on the Right Bank. Dominated by Merlot (90%, followed by 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon), the dense ruby/purple 2012 offers toasty vanilla and oaky notes interwoven with blackcurrants and black cherries. Its excellent concentration, medium body, expansive texture and ripe tannins suggest a wine that should be in its prime in 4-6 years and last for 15 or more.

Jamessuckling.com

90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2015

A fruity wine with blackberry, walnut and wet earth character. Full-bodied, round and fresh. Slightly better from barrel. Delicious. Better in 2017.

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/10/2015

This has a solid graphite note, with good heft to the plum skin, fruitcake, blackberry paste and steeped dark currant flavors. A brambly edge lines the finish. This well-built style shows good energy overall. Best from 2017 through 2024. 16,665 cases made. –JM

Wine Advocate

89-91 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/6/2013

Picked between 10th and 19th October for the Merlot, which represents 90% of the blend, the Fombrauge has a ripe, opulent bouquet with scents of kirsch, fig and a touch of dates that is actually more reminiscent of a 2009. The palate is full-bodied with succulent ripe tannins – a hint of white pepper on the tip of the tongue. It shows a little more focus than the nose at the point with a finely tuned, modern style finish that maintains good definition. Fine. Tasted April 2013.

Wine Spectator

89-92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/30/2013

The ripe blueberry, raspberry and blackberry fruit cuts a wide swath, with well-imbedded anise and briar notes. A bit obvious in style, but this remains engaging through the finish. —J.M.

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe4/26/2013

Drink 2017-2024Inky core, purple rim. Lifted, violet-scented dark fruit. Firm but supple and lots of energy without being exuberant – more underlying. Plenty of sweet oak on the mid palate at the moment but all in place for more to come. (JH)

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/26/2013

The far more interesting grand vin, the 2012 Fombrauge is composed of 90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon from this 126-acre vineyard. A note of spicy, smoky oak intermixed with kirsch liqueur, vanillin and earth emerges from this medium-bodied effort. It exhibits a gritty tannin, but there is a nice fleshiness and hedonistic appeal to this 2012. Drink it over the next decade.Drink: 2013 - 2023

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/26/2013

Packed with licorice, black cherry, cocoa, coffee bean and lush textures, this round, fat, forward styled wine delivers a fleshy, chocolate covered black cherry finish. 90-92 Pts

My Bettane + Desseauve

16,5-17 / 20

the4/25/2013

Charnu, profond, avec de la subtilité : le tannin est enrobé et soyeux, le corps est souplement vigoureux, le fruit est net.

Le Figaro

4 / 5

byBernard Burtschythe4/12/2013

Le château étrenne son tout nouveau titre de Grand Cru classé avec un 2012 où les arômes épicés sont superbes et la bouche présente un étonnant mélange d'élégance, de structure et de matière qui le rendent très séduisant dès à présent sans obérer ses capacités de garde.

Wine Enthusiast

92-94 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/9/2013

Barrel sample. Very dense and rich with fine, tarry tannins that float amidst the ripe blackberry flavors. The wine is structured but full in body with a rich, opulent feel.