Château Fonréaud 2024

Heady aromatics, really ripe and perfumed, so strong and expressive, bursting out of the glass. A little sharp and tangy with really crisp, just-shy-of-raw edges to the filling tannins. A little dry and toasted toward the finish. Not so harmonious right now. Needs more time to come together. Some bitter orange zesty nuances with cinnamon and clove. A touch austere in the bright acidity and green fruit.

55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Fairly open with brambly fruit aromas. Marked acidity on the palate, the fruit weight light but juicy. Tannins relatively supple but hard on the finish. (JL)

Soft, forward, supple, and fruity, with a touch of creaminess to its red fruits on the palate, and a finish that makes it easy to enjoy upon release. Drink from 2027–2035. 88–90 pts

The nose is precise, elegant, fairly aromatic and offers a certain depth. It reveals notes of wild raspberry, blackberry and, more subtly, fresh flowers, with touches of strawberry, as well as a hint of saffron (on its floral side), sweet spices, an almost menthol/peppery note and discreet toasted hints. The palate is beautifully guided, juicy, offering a certain plumpness, control, fine straightness, lace-like finesse and a lovely, delicately elongated profile. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/pulpy cherry, fleshy blackcurrant and, more subtly, vibrant red berries, with touches of bergamot and cherry blossom, as well as a chocolatey and toasted hint. The tannins are sapid. A light toastiness and toasted almond on the finish/persistence. A subtle darkness and a cocoa-nib character on the finish/a hint of pleasant bitterness on the finish/length.

Raspberry leaf, cocoa bean, tobacco, cranberry and cumin, with sweet strawberry puree that adds appeal, but things close down fast at the close of play. Jean and Marie Helen Chanfreau owners along with sons Loic and Guillaume. Impacted by hail, meaning a yield of just 15hl/h.