2023 Fonroque
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Tasting notes
Taking air to show at its best, the 2023 Château Fonroque reveals damp earth, black olive, smoky herbs, and chocolate as well as a terrific core of red and black fruits. Based on 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc from limestone plateau and clay-limestone hillside soils and aged in 31% new French oak (the balance in once-used barrels, foudre, amphora, and tank), it's medium-bodied and nicely concentrated on the palate, with ripe, polished tannins and a great finish. There's a certain earthiness here, but it adds complexity and doesn't detract. It has the approachable elegance of the vintage and should keep for 15 years or more. Drink 2026-2041.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Fonroque is redolent of dark red cherry, blood orange, chalk, mint and slate. Bold and punchy, with terrific persistence, Fonroque is a very complete wine. Floral top notes lift the finish. Readers will find an exquisite, elegant Saint-Émilion.
The 2023 Fonroque has a slightly smudged bouquet, dark berry fruit, touches of graphite and undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, well-judged acidity, relatively open-knit in style with a fluid, agreeable finish. This should drink well after just a couple of years in bottle.
Licorice, dark berries, wet chalk and ripe blackberries on the nose. Full-bodied with round tannins. Concentrated, intense and precise, with defined dark fruit. 87% merlot and 13% cabernet franc. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.