The Story
A back-door way to drink the hands behind Chateau Ausone. Fonbel belongs to the Vauthier family, the same people who make one of Saint-Emilion's most legendary wines, and it lets you taste their touch for a fraction of the outlay. The 2020 is Merlot-led with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and a rare splash of old-vine Carmenere, and about 70% of it was raised in tank rather than barrel to keep the fruit vivid and unforced. It was also the estate's first vintage of organic farming. From a warm but fresh Right Bank vintage, it's charming and open now and will hold well for a decade or more.
Description
A back-door way to drink the hands behind Chateau Ausone. Fonbel belongs to the Vauthier family, the same people who make one of Saint-Emilion's most legendary wines, and it lets you taste their touch for a fraction of the outlay. The 2020 is Merlot-led with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and a rare splash of old-vine Carmenere, and about 70% of it was raised in tank rather than barrel to keep the fruit vivid and unforced. It was also the estate's first vintage of organic farming. From a warm but fresh Right Bank vintage, it's charming and open now and will hold well for a decade or more.
