Château Fombrauge 2021

Tasted blind. Ridiculously heavy bottle. At last! Some richness – plus fluidity and juiciness! Not – quite – overdone, though I suspect in a riper vintage it might be. Inky, rather unpleasant on the finish though. (JR)

Fruity, blackcurrant jelly, raspberry, roasted notes. Open on the attack, red-fruited and fairly fresh, though the wood tannins slightly detract from the otherwise good overall impression.

Shows an overtly toasty edge, with cinnamon and mocha notes draped over a core of modest plum and black cherry fruit flavors. Turns to cedar and savory elements on the finish, though—there's no masking this vintage. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. 14,000 cases made.

Smells quite strong and oaky with almost ripe and under-ripe elements on the palate. It's broad and a bolder style that will reward more ageing. There's concentration and power, acidity and minerality, so all the pieces are there — it feels like they could have dialed back the oak a bit, but this will soften over time.

Espresso, cocoa, black cherries and mint open the wine. On the palate, the wine is round, soft, creamy and open, with sweetness to the fruit that carries from start to finish. The oak has integrated nicely into the wine. Drink from 2024-2037.

Deep ruby core with a narrow purple rim. Ripe cherries, a touch of blackcurrants, floral nuances, an impression of tangerine zest, hints of nougat. Juicy, sweet strawberry compote, ripe tannins, a chocolatey-salty finish with length and definition; shows good ageing potential.

Red and blue fruits, sappy herbs, tobacco, underbrush, and violet notes, as well as some exotic nuances, all emerge from the 2021 Château Fombrauge, a medium-bodied, ripe, round, and lush, easygoing 2021 that makes the most of the vintage. It's impeccably made, has terrific purity, and should drink well for a decade with ease.

Kunz barrel sample 2022: velvety, powerful, fruity bouquet, black cherries, blackberry jelly, licorice, fine caramel, toasted notes. Dense, full, creamy palate with powerful dark fruit, plenty of fine tannins, finely concentrated structure, powerful, sweet, dark aromatics, long, powerful, sweet finish.

Smooth, powerful, fruity bouquet with black cherries, blackberry jelly, licorice, a touch of caramel and toasted notes. Dense, full, creamy palate with intense dark fruit, plenty of fine tannins, finely concentrated structure, powerful, sweet, dark aromatics, and a long, powerful, sweet finish. 18/20 2028 - 2048

On the edge of reduction, this needs a good few years, showing a larger frame and a clear tannic build compared to many of its siblings in the vintage. Fresh acidity makes the tannins a little austere and even slightly bitter, but there is plenty of charm here, with abundant blue and black fruits. Harvest from September 30 to October 18, 35% new oak.

A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 Fombrauge is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It has subtle notes of black cherries and dried cranberries, with suggestions of garrigue, tar, and fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate is plush and juicy, with plenty of freshness and a spicy kick on the finish.

An opulent, slightly excessive nose with very ripe fruit that shows no restraint. Soft and caressing on the palate, with delicate ripe fruit and sweet, well-extracted tannins on the finish.

Dark color, medium intensity and lively. Moderately aromatic, fruity nose with a Merlot character. Fruity, supple palate, developing slight oak on the finish. Medium body and length. Blend: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc.

This is a generous wine from the largest Grand Cru Classé estate. The black fruit and licorice aromas are paralleled by the opulent dark plum flavors, the tannins cushioned by the opulent texture. Drink from 2027.