Chateau Fontenil (375ML half-bottle) 2020

Professional Ratings

• 94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Fontenil needs a little swirling and coaxing to release opulent scents of plum preserves, blueberry compote and chocolate-covered cherries, plus suggestions of candied violets, ground cloves and fertile loam. The full-bodied palate is rich with generous black and blue preserves layers, supported by beautifully plush tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Barrel Sample: 92-94

• 93 James Suckling
  This has aromas of plums, orange zest, thyme and nutmeg. Medium-bodied, with tight tannins and fresh acidity. Vibrant and pretty, with so much tension throughout. Better from 2025.
• 93 Jeb Dunnuck

  The classic 2020 Chateau Fontenil from this Fronsac chateau is a winner and well worth a case purchase. Giving up lots of spiced red and black fruits, smoked tobacco, and flowery incense notes, it's medium to full-bodied, has a round, supple, elegant texture, beautiful tannins, and nicely integrated oak. This sexy, seamless, straight-up impressive Fronsac will evolve for at least a decade.

• 92 Vinous
  The 2020 Fontenil is deep, fleshy and super-expressive. Silky, plush tannins wrap around a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice. All the elements are so impeccably balanced. –Antonio Galloni
• 90 Decanter
  The oak toasting is a little intrusive on the opening but this opens to show raspberry, blueberry and richly textured liquorice root and cocoa bean notes. Sour cherry on the finish gives a welcome kick of acidity.
  Barrel Sample: 90