Château Fombrauge 2022

Distinct roasted notes, herbs, orange zest, herb-cured bacon, red berry fruit; fresh on the attack, slightly powdery tannins caress the red fruit, full of character, finishes fiery. Needs some cellar age.

A polished, direct style, with a mix of blackberry and cherry compote notes leading the way, along with light red licorice, sweet toast and black tea hints. A subtle tug of earth keeps this just honest enough on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2035. 26,417 cases made.

Soft herbal and menthol accents on the nose join ripe bramble berries and touches of cedar spice. Juicy and fleshy, this has a nice overall expression combining strength and heft with focus and push. Lovely bitter orange, cocoa and coffee touches join the fruit with fine tannins giving a touch of bite to the palate. Feels finessed and well worked.

The 2022 Fombrauge is an effusive, open-knit offering from Bernard Magrez. Crushed flowers, spice, mint, leather and mocha all grace this fruity, supple Saint-Émilion. The finish is nicely lifted, which helps balance some of the wine's more overt leanings.

Espresso, smoke, flowers, licorice, plums, and cherries create the perfume. Polished, round, and loaded with fruit, the wine finishes with a beautiful, silky edge. With its lush style, this will be approachable just a year or so after release. The wine blends 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2026-2042.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Liquorice, sweet cherries, ripe plums, pleasant touch of fine oak, subtle nougat. Substantial, fruity, ripe, round tannins, opulent, chocolatey style, fine minerality on the finish. Already accessible, a desirable food wine with certain ageing potential.

Smoky black cherries, savory herbs, crushed stone, and graphite nuances all emerge from the 2022 Château Fombrauge, a wonderfully textured, full-bodied Saint-Emilion that has ripe, integrated tannins and a great finish.

Grilled sandalwood, dark chocolate, cocoa bean and espresso, damson, with clear lift too, mandarin peel and lemongrass. A good-quality Fombrauge, 43 hl/ha yield, consultants Michel Rolland and Julien Viaud, harvest from September 12 to 27, the largest Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion at 58 hectares.

A ripe, sweet bouquet precedes an enveloping, rich and balanced palate that slightly lacks depth.

A fine symbiosis of élevage, maturity, and freshness in the bouquet of Fombrauge 2022. It reveals nuances of licorice and blackcurrant over a backdrop of sweet spices. On the palate, the wine stands out for its harmony and linear character. The tannins provide a reliable, elegant framework. The finish could gain a little more aromatic expression, but the prospects at this stage are promising.

92-94 Barrel sample. A juicy blend of Merlot (along with a good proportion of Cabernet Franc), the wine is rich and structured. Juicy black fruits will develop well, as the wood aging adds a fine polish.