Chateau Fontenil 2020

WEINWISSER: "Tiefes Purpur mit opaker Mitte und zartem lila Rand. Dicht verwobenes Bouquet mit schwarzen Kirschen, Brombeergelee und Lakritze, dahinter parfümierter Pfeifentabak und exotische Hölzer. Am dichten Gaumen mit cremiger Textur, herrlicher Extraktfülle, engmaschigem Tanninkorsett und sehr muskulösem Körper. Im konzentrierten Finale dunkelbeerige Konturen, Wachsnoten und zarte Adstringenz."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Dark in color, the nose pops with truffles, seaweed, roses, licorice, plums, black cherries and a hint of peppery spice. Elegant and sensuous in texture, there is freshness and purity as well as minerality in the fruit on the mid-palate and in the finish. Drink from 2023-2038."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Fontenil needs a little swirling and coaxing to release opulent scents of plum preserves, blueberry compote and chocolate-covered cherries, plus suggestions of candied violets, ground cloves and fertile loam. The full-bodied palate is rich with generous black and blue preserves layers, supported by beautifully plush tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and fragrant."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This has aromas of plums, orange zest, thyme and nutmeg. Medium-bodied, with tight tannins and fresh acidity. Vibrant and pretty, with so much tension throughout. Better from 2025."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The classic 2020 Château Fontenil from this Fronsac château is a winner and well worth a case purchase. Giving up lots of spiced red and black fruits, smoked tobacco, and flowery incense notes, it's medium to full-bodied, has a round, supple, elegant texture, beautiful tannins, and nicely integrated oak. This sexy, seamless, straight-up impressive Fronsac will evolve for at least a decade."

DECANTER: "The oak toasting is a little intrusive on the opening but this opens to show raspberry, blueberry and richly textured liquorice root and cocoa bean notes. Sour cherry on the finish gives a welcome kick of acidity. A yield of 40hl/ha. 30% new oak, 30% kept in stainless steel. Tasted twice."