2015 Fonbadet

A totally sexy, voluptuous wine, the 2015 Fonbadet is terrific. A rush of dark cherry jam, wild flowers, mint, espresso and licorice gives the 2015 its decidedly exotic, voluptuous personality. Silky tannins and plush fruit add to the wine's sumptuousness. There is a presence to the 2015 that is hard to describe but that has been present each of the three times I have tasted it so far. Simply put, Fonbadet is gorgeous in 2015.

The 2015 Fonbadet is composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, aged in 50% new and 50% one-year-old barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has a crème de cassis, baked plums and lavender-scented nose with nuances of bouquet garni and mossy bark plus a touch of hoisin. Medium-bodied, firm and chewy, it's a little lean and finishes a little abrupt.

Tasted on three separate occasions, the 2015 Château Fonbadet is a rock-solid effort in the vintage, as well as a terrific value. A medium to full-bodied, mouth-filling, ripe Pauillac that has good acidity, classic notes of plums, mulberries, spice and dried tobacco, moderate tannin, and outstanding length, drink it anytime over the coming 10-15 years. This 20-hectare estate (of which a little over 17 are planted with vines) in Pauillac receives consulting advice from none other than Michel Rolland.