2011 Fontenil
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Tasting notes
From the husband and wife oenologist team of Michel and Dany Rolland, this blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits dark black raspberry and graphite notes intermixed with hints of licorice and blueberries, medium to full-bodied flavors, excellent depth and texture, sweet tannin and adequate acidity. As always, Fontenil is one of the stars of Fronsac in 2011 with the winemaking skills of its owners well-presented. This beautifully crafted, high-class effort needs another year or so to resolve its tannins, and it can be drunk over the next 10+ years.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Inky crimson. Intensely sweet plummy fruit. Very sweet and juicy though there's plenty of acidity too. Full flavoured but a bit crude at the moment. Firm, dense and will please those who seek fruit first. Acidity needs to settle down a bit. (JH)
Deep crimson. Attractive freshness on the nose. Very drying rather raw finish. Very tough – reminds me a little of the more tannic 2002s this morning. (JR)
Solid core of fruit in this with polished and fine tannins. Racy and delicious. jamessuckling.com