A small plateau of shlallow limestone and clay soils, weather moderated by the nearby Gironde, centuries of history producing great Merlot-based wines ... surely you'd expect to pay a premium for anything from this exceptional Right Bank region. But think again. While prices in Pomerol and St-Emilion continue to climb (often to eye-watering numbers these days), the humble Fronsac appellation is still a veritable treasure trove of stupendous values that are hardly matched anywhere in Bordeaux.
Our line-up today offers a fantastic picture of what makes Fronsac such a rewarding region for Bordeaux lovers seeking the ultimate combination of quality and value. Led by a pair of highly acclaimed expressions from the benchmark La Vieille Cure estate, you won't find more impressive bang for your buck on the Right Bank. The historic Chateau de la Dauphine hit new heights with its "positively stellar" 2020, and long-time B-21 favorite Fontenil is "a winner and well worth a case purchase" according to Jeb Dunnuck. Finally, Canon Pecresse turned out "a pure, mineral-laced Right Bank ... very much in the classic, balanced, yet impressive style of the vintage."
The best part of the proposition is that you can indulge in any or all of them as much as you please. With pricing like this, you can stock the cellar with guaranteed value performers that will shine well into the next decade and beyond.
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)
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