Chateau Fonroque 2023

VINUM: "Keine Frage, dieser Duft muss Fonroque sein, klar und rein wie ein Bergbach, strahlende Frucht, Himbeeren, Cassis, Kirsche, Veilchen, ein Gedicht; seidenweich am Gaumen, geschliffenes Tannin, knackig, rassig, ungemein frisch und mit einem langen, salinen Abgang. Einmal mehr ein ausgezeichneter Fonroque, der seiner frischen, eleganten Stilistik treu bleibt."

DECANTER: "Raspberry and strawberry aromas, the palate has high toned fruit, lots of energy and certainly tangy bordering on tart. This biodynamic wine, crafted from grapes grown on the famous limestone plateau and limestone-clay hillside and picked between 5-29 September, represents a style that can be said to be 'acquired' and I have done so. Give it time in barrel - 18 months in 31% new oak - to broaden the palate, and then you can crack open a bottle for an upscale summer barbecue."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zart Kräuterwürzig, schwarze Waldbeeren, ein Hauch Lakritze, dunkle Kirschen, mineralischer Touch. Saftig, elegant, frisch strukturiert, würzige Tannine, etwas Nugat im Abgang, verfügt über Reifepotenzial."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This shows good concentration and focus, with notes of ripe dark berries and walnuts, as well as a hint of chocolate. It’s medium-bodied with velvety tannins that are nicely spread across the palate. Lingering finish."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2023 Fonroque offers up aromas of sweet cherries, dark berries and licorice, framed by a deft touch of new wood. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple, with a velvety attack that segues into a taut, mineral finish that's typical of this terroir, it's another strong performance from this biodynamically farmed 17-hectare estate on the western extreme of Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "A blend of 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc, the Fonroque 2023 is deep garnet-purple in color. It strolls out with confident, classic notes of juicy plums, cedar, and pencil lead, followed by hints of fallen leaves and wild thyme. The medium to full-bodied palate has plenty of bright, black fruit flavors on offer, with ripe, rounded tannins and compelling tension, finishing earthy."