De Fonbel St Emilion Grand Cru 2018

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
De Fonbel
Label Name:
 
St Emilion Grand Cru
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saint-Émilion (Bordeaux)
Volume:
 
1500ml
ABV:
 
14%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot (≈70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (≈20%), Carménère (≈10%)
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
3
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Lisa Perrotti‑Brown (Robert Parker) 89/100; Vinous 88/100; positive reviews from Decanter; drinking window cited c. 2022–2032

Tasting Note
Medium‑to‑full bodied Merlot‑driven wine: baked plum, blackberry, dark cherry, spice (pepper, clove), herbal underbrush and a touch of tobacco; fresh acidity and firm, chewy tannins with a savory finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, beef short ribs, braised duck, mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, Korean BBQ, soy‑braised beef, hoisin‑glazed dishes.

Production Method
Hand-harvested; fermentation in temperature‑controlled stainless‑steel vats; aged ~12 months in oak (about 30% new).

Vineyard Info
Château de Fonbel (Vauthier family) — 16 ha on sandy‑gravel soils; managed by Alain and Pauline Vauthier (also owners of Ausone). Estate focuses on quality upgrades and traditional Bordeaux practices.