Soft, fragrant, charming. Crisp, bright, vivid plum fruit that has the most grip of the three Vauthier estates on the southern slopes of St Emilion. Harvest 20 September to 5 October. 1/3 in oak, Philippe Baillarguet cellar master. Harvest 20 September to 5 October. 1/3 in oak. 90 points

The 2024 de Fonbel is soft and open-knit, with lovely forward fruit and a mid-weight build. Like many wines in this vintage, Merlot is down in the blend, in this case supplanted by a strong presence of Cabernet Sauvignon that gives the wine notable aromatic presence and structure. Blue-toned fruit, graphite, gravel, incense and licorice develop with some coaxing. 89-91 points

The 2024 de Fonbel is soft and open-knit, with lovely forward fruit and a mid-weight build. Like many wines in this vintage, Merlot is down in the blend, in this case supplanted by a strong presence of Cabernet Sauvignon that gives the wine notable aromatic presence and structure. Blue-toned fruit, graphite, gravel, incense and licorice develop with some coaxing. 89-91 points