Chateau Fonreaud 2019 (750ml)
Product price
Description
Listrac-Médoc sits inland on the western edge of the Médoc, one of the quieter appellations where Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are grown for structure and length rather than early flash. This is Chateau Fonreaud's 2019, a red Bordeaux blend from that commune, and 2019 has given it the raw material to reward some patience: firm tannins, real depth, and the kind of frame that softens rather than fades.
The nose leans on dark fruit, blackberry and cassis with a touch of blueberry, edged by herbs, forest floor, mint and a hint of coffee bean. The palate opens with bright, vivid cherry and juicy acidity before the tannins take hold, grippy and lightly chewy, with a chalky, almost mineral cast that lingers into a cool finish. There's concentration and balance here, and enough weight toward the close to suggest it will keep improving. Give it a year or two, or at least a decant, if you're opening it now.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Color | Red |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Subregion | Listrac-Medoc |
| Varietal | Bordeaux Blend Red |
| Producer | Chateau Fonreaud |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Size | 750 ML |
| Subtype | Still |
Expert Reviews
Rustic on the nose, bramble fruits and a touch of herbaceousness. The palate is well textured, good grip from the tannins but the fruit is coming across a little dry at this point. Good initial juiciness - bright and vivid cherry - and great acidity which is lively but then this knits down and turns a little sombre. I like the chalky, almost mineral aspect to it once the tannins have subsided with an enjoyable cooling finish. Lots of excellent potential.
The 2019 Fonréaud felt a little reduced on the nose, but there is plenty of black fruit here with glimpses of blueberry and cassis. The palate is very well balanced with succulent tannins, a superb line of acidity and impressive weight and depth towards the finish. This is a very well crafted, almost “confident” Fonréaud that should age well. Superb. Tasted three times with consistent notes.
Berry and light coffee-bean aromas follow through to a medium body with firm tannins and a lightly chewy finish. Very typical. Well crafted. Needs a year or two to soften, but very nice already.
I somewhat underestimated the 2019 Fonréaud when I tasted it earlier this year, and revisiting it at a more leisurely pace, the wine is really quite impressive, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cherries and berries mingled with subtle hints of forest floor, mint and spices. Medium to full-bodied, pure and vibrant, with a concentrated core of fruit, bright acids and sweet, powdery tannins, it's a seamless, serious wine that benefits from a bit of air if you intend to approach it today.