Winery - Château Fonréaud
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
At this stage, the wood element is too dominant. However, the attractive bright berry fruits should soon push through to give what will be a firm but fruity wine. It needs 4–6 years aging to soften its edges and provide delicious drinking.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
86-88 Intense wood aromas that are translated through to the palate. This is all smoky plank and structure.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Jean Chanfreau’s family, which owns Châteaux Fonréaud and Lestage in Listrac, produces this blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, giving a wine with plenty of Cabernet cassis flavors, but also a roundness and spiciness that sit well with firm tannins. Lovers of young Bordeaux will find it ready to drink now, but it has a good five years before complete maturity.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
87-89 Barrel sample. High toast aromas, packed with new wood flavors that rather submerge the fruit. It is an early stage, but the chateau needs to watch that wood.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Rich, full and dense, this shows considerable elegance as well as power. The fruits are black, with a strong edge of acidity, but also concentrated. There is a smooth layer of wood that adds to the complexity as well as opening the wine.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
One of the stars in Listrac, Fonréaud is producing a modern style of wine, with plenty of new wood. The flavors are ripe, black, generous, while allowing a sense of elegance as well.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Firm tannins mark this as a wine for aging. At the same time, the sweet and ripe fruit gives weight and richness. Wood flavors just creep in to round out the tannins at the end. Keep for 7–8 years.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
88-90 Barrel sample. This is a ripe, fruity, well-balanced wine, with delicious, firm fruit tannins, classic acidity and black currant flavors. Well-balanced and enjoyable.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A wine initially dominated by wood, but opens to show ripe, black fruits, flavors of herbs and firm, dry tannins. From an 88-acre vineyard in the west of Listrac, this is a finely structured wine, which will certainly age well. Imported by Heidelberg Distribution.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
There is plenty of wood, both in aromas and to taste. What is worrying is the dominance of the wood over the relatively light fruit character. There are just hints of Cabernet black currants, but then the wood closes in. It needs 3–4 years to come together.
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