Fontenil 2022 (750ML)

93-94 JS / 92-94+ WI / 92-94 JD / 92 DE / 90-92 VM

Blackberry, hazelnut and tar aromas and flavors follow through to a medium body, with firm and savory tannins that run the length of the wine. Savory finish. Excellent structure. - James Suckling

The 2022 Fontenil is deep garnet-purple in color. After a swirl or two, evocative notes of baked black plums, boysenberry preserves, and dark chocolate-covered cherries erupt from the nose, followed by nuances of menthol and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is built like a brick house, with very firm, grainy tannins and soft acidity supporting the dense, muscular fruit, finishing long. Note that no Defi was produced this year due to some hail damage in June. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

The 2022 Château Fontenil is a beauty, and as with the Castillon region, Fronsac has some true gems that compete with the top wines. Black cherries, currants, spicy oak, and graphite all emerge from the glass, and this is full-bodied, with a layered, concentrated texture and ripe tannins. It's going to need 3-5 years of bottle age, but this brilliant 2022 is well worth seeking out. - Jeb Dunnuck

Richly concentrated nose full of perfumed bramble fruits and wild flower scents. Full-bodied, deep and supple on the palate but it walks the path between lean and plush, giving a balanced overall weight and density. Cool blue fruits are joined by crushed stones giving refreshing elements while the sticky liquorice, dark chocolate and clove spice edge the finish. Well constructed, a little tense still and just constricting some of the easy enjoyment at this stage but lots of promise for future drinking pleasure. Harvest 8-17 September. Ageing in French oak, 30% new.  - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

The 2022 Fontenil has a "cool" bouquet with blackberry, undergrowth and light marine aromas. This seems to shrug off the warmth of the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity and rounded in texture with a touch of Left Bank graphite arming the finish. Give this two to three years once in bottle. Classy. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media