Château Fonréaud 2022

The 2022 Fonréaud is more precise and fresher than it appeared during the en primeur tastings. It reveals a delicate, elegant bouquet of dark wild berries, mulberries, sweet berries and spices mingled with barely noticeable oak. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with velvety tannins and a fresh, long, licorice-tinged finish. This is a real success, significantly enhanced by its élevage.

Sweet sun-kissed black fruit on the nose with both floral and spiced tapenade accents. Really vivid and open in terms of aromas. Zesty and zingy, the acidity is really at the fore giving this an almost sour and high-toned expression before things settle and expand in the mouth with salty edges to the tannins. I like the juiciness, it's really fun and playful with a nice chalky texture to the tannins that lingers on the tongue. They really haven't pushed this or tried too hard and it shows. A lovely wine with a super long finish but I would wait a bit longer to enjoy this.

Unfortunately, the 2022 Fonréaud did not improve with élevage. Hard contours and a compact, unyielding profile are its hallmarks.

Flowers, with fresh red berries, define the nose. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, vibrant, sweet, and chalky, with high-toned fruits and a hint of tobacco leaf and cocoa on the finish. You can enjoy this with pleasure on release. Drink from 2025–2036.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Delicate toasty aromas, black wild berries, dark cherries, a hint of cloves. Juicy, elegant, cherries, fresh acidity, mineral and long-lasting, subtle fruit expression on the finish, better than ever.

The 2022 Château Fonréaud is spicy and complex, with attractive aromatics of red and black fruits, leather, incense, and dried flowers. These carry through to a medium-bodied, supple, elegant, forward Listrac that’s nicely balanced and incredibly satisfying. Based on 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, drink over the next 10–15 years.

High spice aromatics, clear ripe berry fruit shot through with black pepper spice, charming and unfussy with a rosebud lift on the finish, a thoroughly successful vintage at this estate. Chanfreau owners.

The oak is shaken by a flamboyant bouquet combining mocha and ripe black fruits. Rich and opulent, the texture remains elegant, with a zesty freshness that brings energy. Coffee notes emerge on the finish, where we find powerful tannins that will likely soften over time.

The nose is beautifully crafted and offers good definition. Delicate and silky. It reveals notes of vibrant Boysenberry, vibrant strawberry and, more lightly, cherry, combined with touches of violet, star anise, black tea, and subtle hints of bright red berries. The palate is beautifully fruity, balanced, characterful, precise, and offers a tangy backbone, finesse, and an airy feel. Bright fruit and indulgence. On the palate, this wine shows notes of juicy blackcurrant, vibrant cherry and, more lightly, bright red berries, layered with touches of tobacco, star anise, blueberry, and hints of chocolate, nutmeg, and toasted almond. Good persistence.

The nose shows a tangy character with a hint of coffee. The attack is fresh and smooth, with an aromatic theme of black fruit and liquorice. This 2022 is already very welcoming; the balance between acidity and sweetness gives it lovely approachability in its youth.

90-92 Barrel sample. This reliable wine is as well made as ever. Its aging is proceeding well with ripe tannins and black fruits.