2020 Chateau Fontenil (750ml)

Merlot from Fronsac, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Producing “seductive wines” boasting “depth, elegance and freshness” according to the Wine Advocate’s Yohan Castaing, quality in Bordeaux’s under rated Fronsac continues to rise, these top scoring 2020 Fronsac gems sourced from some of the region’s most outstanding producers in an excellent vintage that “delivers the goods” according to Neal Martin of Vinous and a terrific opportunity to stock up on an array of age worthy Bordeaux at a bargain price.

Situated on the Right Bank of the Garonne River northeast of Bordeaux city, Fronsac produces its red wines primarily from vines planted in a rich mix of clay and limestone soils as wells as pockets of a well draining bedrock of clay, chalk and sandstone found at some leading Saint-Emilion estates, blending mainly Merlot with smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc and often competing with wines from neighboring St. Emilion according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson “but at far better prices.” Described as “just gorgeous” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the 93 pt. 2020 Chateau De La Dauphine boasts perfumed dark fruit with firm, soft tannins, while the “solidly built” 93 pt. 2020 Chateau Moulin Haut-Laroque “has good tension from underlying chalky minerality” according to the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, both promising to evolve over the next decade. Crafted by former Mouton-Rothschild winemaker Patrick Leon, Neal Martin of Vinous calls the 94 pt. 2020 Chateau Les Trois Croix “a fabulous Fronsac” offering perfumed dark fruit with “a precise quite minerally finish that is pure class” while the “straight up impressive” 95 pt. 2020 Chateau Fontenil boasts layers of spiced dark fruit and a “supple, elegant texture” according to Jeb Dunnuck, summing it up “a winner and well worth a case purchase.” Described as “one of the go-to names in the appellation” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the “superb” 93 pt. 2020 Chateau La Vieille Cure is “rich and sumptuous in the glass” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous with “gorgeous depth and texture,” its silky tannins built to enjoy over the next decade and beyond.

From an undervalued, under the radar region delivering “high quality at a sensible price” according to Decanter’s Stephen Brooks, these superb 2020 Fronsac selections offer top value from “a great modern-day Bordeaux vintage,” according to Antonio Galloni, unbeatably priced for Bordeaux bargain hunters to stock the cellar and enjoy the satisfaction of a great deal with every pour.

95WI

93JD

93JS

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Fontenil slowly emerges from the glass with powerful notes of plum preserves, blueberry compote, and blackberry pie, followed by suggestions of licorice, tar, violets, and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is laden with vibrant, expressive black fruits, supported by plush tannins and lovely tension, finishing on a lingering aniseed note.

95 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Mar 2023)

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.

93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2023)

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.

93 points, James Suckling (May 2023)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$26.88

Compare At: $29.99

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