Chateau Fonroque 2018

Professional Ratings

• 94 Jeb Dunnuck

  Checking in as a blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Château Fonroque offers a rich, powerful nose of ripe black fruits and cassis as well as vanilla bean, spice box, and chocolate. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and concentrated, it has plenty of background oak, a great mid-palate, and one heck of a terrific finish. This is the real deal and certainly the finest wine I've tasted from the estate. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade. It should be a stunning value.

• 93 Wine Spectator
  Dark plum and blackberry compote notes form the core, while hints of licorice snap and fruitcake form the backdrop. Nice grippy, tarry streak on the finish adds length and drive. Should cellar well. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2034.
• 93 James Suckling

  Stewed berries, currants, cloves, sweet tobacco and some orange zest on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins, framing a core of ripe dark fruit. Spiced and zesty finish. Fills your mouth. Try from 2024.

• 91 Decanter

  There is an enjoyable hawthorn and bramble edge, quite different in feel from the others. More freshly cut herbs, with rosemary and sage notes. A little high in acidity on a finish that brings things to an end slightly abruptly. 30% new oak. Biodynamic and organic. Drinking Window 2024 - 2040

• 90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  A blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Fonroque has a deep garnet-purple color and rambunctious scents of baked black plums, boysenberry preserves and fruitcake with hints of Indian spices, potpourri, cedar and sandalwood. The medium to full-bodied palate has soft, well-managed tannins and plenty of freshness to support the black fruit preserves and spicy flavors, finishing earthy.