Chateau Fonroque 2016

Professional Ratings

• 95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2016 Fonroque has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and opens with black cherries, kirsch, warm blueberries and spice box scents plus hints of tobacco and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, it has a chewy line and plenty of earth-inspired flavors, finishing just a tad grippy.
• 93 Wine Spectator
  This has a slightly exotic edge, with warmed fig, crushed plum and steeped raspberry notes, laden with anise, black tea and singed apple wood accents. Though the fruit gushes, this shows focused energy through the finish, with a latent graphite hint. Drink now through 2035.
• 93 Decanter
  This was the last vintage with Alain Moueix as the owner - in 2017 he sold the estate to a French insurance company, although he is likely to continue as consultant for the foreseeable future. This has an impressive texture right from the start, with silky black and red fruit that's well knitted together, along with coffee and chocolate. It has clear potential but needs time. 30% new oak. 50hl/ha yield.
• 92 Wine Enthusiast

  This wine is superripe and generous in fruit. The contrast is with the dry core of tannins. Juicy blackberry fruits are rich and opulent, cut by acidity and supported by the tannins. Barrel Sample: 90-92.

• 91 Jeb Dunnuck
  A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Château Fonroque is a pretty, classy wine that has plenty of tobacco and earthy notes, plenty of darker fruits, medium body, and a supple, lightly textured, balanced style on the palate. It doesn't match the 2015 yet is a beautiful, elegant, nuanced wine to drink over the coming 10-15 years.
• 90 James Suckling
  This has a beautifully bright array of red fruit on the nose with a fresh and energetic palate that has plenty of fresh acidity and a fresh, sheet-like kick of tannins. From biodynamically grown grapes. Biodyvin certified. Try from 2021.