The 2022 Château De Fonbel is more rounded and layered, with beautiful cassis and black cherry fruits intermixed with chocolaty herbs, graphite, and crushed stone. This ripe, textured, medium to full-bodied 2022 has beautiful tannins and outstanding length. I like it today, and it should have 10-12 years, if not slightly longer, of prime drinking.
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2025)
Really fruit-forward on the nose, with ripe dark cherries and a touch of graphite. Quite firm and nicely chewy on the palate, with an almost full body and a tight yet lengthy finish. Quite flavorful and ripe, but solid and fresh at the same time. Drink from 2027.
93 points, Zekun Shuai, James Suckling (Jan 2025)
Cinnamon, orange rind, and blackcurrant on the nose with an exotic, appealing bitterness. Supple and lively, with chewy, mouth-filling tannins. Lifted and streamlined, with focused minerality and freshness. Blue fruits, menthol accents and youthful brightness drive a long, energetic finish. Power and precision make this a standout. The 5% Carmenère adds luscious, meaty depth. One to look out for! 3.70pH.
93 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter (Jan 2025)
The 2022 de Fonbel is plush, succulent and inviting, all of which lend notable immediacy. Silky, refined tannins wrap around a core of dark-fleshed fruit. Cedar, tobacco, dried herbs and earthy undertones add shades of nuance throughout. This is impeccably done.
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2025)