Fombrauge 2018 (750ML)

92-94 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fombrauge gives up expressive scents of Black Forest cake, blackberry compote and Morello cherries with touches of plum preserves, spice box and potpourri. Full-bodied with a firm, velvety texture and plenty of freshness, all that rich, black fruit delivers a long, spice-sparked finish." 4/19

92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Fombrauge has an intense nose of black cherries, iodine and raspberry preserve, touches of tobacco following through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannins matched by a keen thread of alcohol. I appreciate the balance of this Fombrauge; it tones everything down on the finish when it could have been more bombastic. Less turned out to be more." 03/21

91-94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Fombrauge is a knockout. Ripe, explosive and full of character, the 2018 is the sort of bottle that is opened and enjoyed in short order. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, new leather and espresso are kicked up a few notches in a sumptuous, racy Saint-Émilion that hits all the right notes. Floral and spice overtones add perfume to this super-expressive, inviting Saint-Émilion from Bernard Magrez. The 2018 is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted four times." 4/19

94 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Ripe-plum, black-cherry, milk-chocolate, walnut and vanilla aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied with plush, velvety tannins. Creamy and polished. Very tight now. From organically grown grapes. Try from 2023, when it will begin to open up." 01/21

91-94 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "A warm, inviting style, with crushed plum and boysenberry puree notes caressed by anise and singed apple wood accents. Shows nice drive on the finish." 4/19

91 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "This is at the bigger end of the vintage, but it's appealingly perky and full of pleasure. Sweet damson fruit is joined by touches of vanilla bean; nothing too over the top but enough to give a swirl of gourmet patisserie seduction. The tannins build up fairly swiftly through the palate." 4/19

95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "A gorgeous wine that shines on all account, the 2018 Château Fombrauge sports a dense purple hue to go with loads of blackcurrant and black cherry fruits as well as tobacco leaf, damp earth, chocolate, and cedary herbs. With full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mid-palate, silky tannins, and outstanding length, this rock star Saint-Emilion can be enjoyed any time over the coming 20-25 years or more. It's hands down the finest vintage I've tasted from this estate." 03/21