Tasting Notes
Neal Martin 86
The 2020 Chateau de Fonbel has a light and airy bouquet of blackberry, bilberry, cedar and cigar box scents. The palate is medium-bodied with scrawny tannins and balsamic-tinged black fruit, leading to a rather monotonous finish. This is a disappointing showing, which could be due to the bottle. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2034
Antonio Galloni 92
The 2020 De Fonbel is bright, punchy and bursting with fruit. Sweet floral accents lift a core of red berry fruit in a soft, caressing Saint-Emilion that will drink well pretty much right out of the gate. The 2020 is an absolute delight. I imagine this charming, mid-weight Saint-Emilion will drink well for another 10-15 years. Today, it is absolutely delicious. I especially like the energy here.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2035
