2019 Fonroque (St-Emilion)

Fairly austere at first, as is often the case with Fonroque as it rarely overlayers its tannins with chocolate and toast notes. When you sit with it the juice comes through, and this is very attractive, well placed cassis and raspberry fruits, soft white pepper spicing and a saline kick on the finish. Come back in 6-8 years and enjoy how mouthwateringly enjoyable this is going to be. A yield of 40hl/ha. 92 points

Deep garnet-purpel in color, the 2019 Fonroque sashays out of the glass with head-turning plum preserves, blueberry compote and dark chocolate scents followed by hints of licorice, potpourri and Chinese five spice. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with black and blue fruit preserves, framed by wonderfully plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing impressively spicy. 91-93 points

The 2019 Fonroque has a ripe, almost exotic bouquet with decadent red fruit, a little excessive perhaps. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannins, rounded and velvety in texture, one of the headiest Saint-Émilion crus that I have tasted - completely different to Alain Moueix`s Pomerol cru Château Mazeyres. I just find this is missing a little acidity and race on the finish. 90-92 points