2020 Chateau Fombrauge

Impenetrable black as night core with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Ripe blackcurrant and black cherry aromas fill the nostrils intermingling with liquorice, vanillin cedar, tobacco, scorched earth and black olive notes along the way. A concentrate of blackcurrant, black cherry and liquorice fruits are layered across the full bodied palate with fabulous richness and density. Lingering through the back half are spicy vanillin cedar, scorched earth and subtle graphite elements. Firm and ripe in its feel, chewy tannins lead into a long, generously fruited yet robust conclusion.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews....
The 2020 Fombrauge has a deep garnet-purple color and expressive notes of chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries and baked plums, plus hints of espresso, graphite and cedar chest with a waft of Sichuan pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate is elegantly crafted with lovely freshness and a well-tamed, grainy texture, finishing long and earthy.
91-93 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate (May 2021)

The 2020 Fombrauge is enticing right out of the gate. Cherries in liqueur, spice, rose petal, menthol, licorice and chocolate make a strong first impression. Racy and deep, with notable textural resonance, Fombrauge is terrific in 2020. There's plenty of opulence and yet the 2020 is nicely balanced. Drink: 2025-2040.
92 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Very linear and tight with a firmness and brightness. Blackcurrant, earth, and lemon rind character throughout. Fresh and racy. Needs time to open. Drink after 2026.
94 points
James Suckling

Cassis, black raspberries, graphite, spicy oak, and floral notes all emerge from the 2020 Château Fombrauge, a wonderfully textured, medium to full-bodied, concentrated, yet elegant Saint-Emilion. A wine that builds beautifully with time in the glass, it complex, has ripe, silky tannins, and a great finish. Tasted on more than one occasion, it never failed to impress. Drink this richly textured, sexy, beautiful 2020 over the coming 15+ years. Drink: 2023-2038.
94 points
Jeb Dunnuck

Dark and ripe, suave, sleek and savoury. Striking and linear from start to finish. Clearly powerful, with concentration and intensity of flavour. Excellent acidity and life in general. It's still precise and tense which does restrict the overall expression, just putting the liquorice and minty freshness ahead of the black bramble fruits, but this has been well handled. A lovely, tight, liquorice-tinged wine. 15% alcohol gives a hefty feel but is integrated thanks to the acidity and the fresh, stony nature. A lot to like and true to style. Drink: 2024-2038.
92 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter