Fonbel 2023

The 2023 Château de Fonbel was picked from September 12 to October 5. It has a straightforward bouquet with predominantly black fruit, hints of licorice and subtle gravel scents. It’s finely delineated if missing a little power. The palate is medium-bodied and fleshy with pliant tannins, closing with a gentle and lightly spiced finish. Drink it over the next decade.

A slightly reduced, elegant bouquet of iris, gentian, licorice and spices intermixed with exuberant notes of violet preface the 2023 Fonbel, a medium to full-bodied, elegant and tense wine with a juicy core of fruit and a long, ethereal finish characterized by vertical energy. This is a blend of 64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Carmenère. It’s a great bottle in the making.

Very pretty with pure cassis and sliced orange character. Medium body, fine tannins and a polished finish. Balanced and fresh. Some stone and salty undertones. 64% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon and 8% carmenere.

A blend of 64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Carmenere, the 2023 de Fonbel has a deep garnet-purple color. It is a little closed to begin, needing a bit of patient swirling to bring out notes of boysenberries, baked plums, and tar, followed by hints of anise and black olives. The medium-bodied palate is refreshing and elegantly played, with soft, silky tannins and a peppery finish.