The 2022 Fonroque has a well-defined bouquet with black cherry, violet and iris flower scents. It`s precise with neatly integrated oak. The palate is well balanced with a succulent opening featuring red cherry, wild strawberry, marmalade and allspice. This is quite fleshy toward the finish but with adequate backbone. Maybe I underestimated this en primeur and my score reflects that. 92 points

The 2022 Fonroque is plush, sensual and quite deep. Silky tannins enshroud a core of dark cherry/plum fruit, new leather, spice, menthol and espresso. This juicy, open-knit Saint-Emilion from Alan Mouiex is a winner. 92 points

The 2022 Fonroque wafts from the glass with sweet aromas of blackberries, cherries, licorice and petals, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy palate with vibrant acids, supple tannins and an intensely mineral finish. Farmed biodynamically for two decades under the direction of Alain Mouiex, this 17-hectare estate on the western extreme of Saint-Emilion`s limestone plateau has gone from strength to strength in recent vintages. 92-94 points

Earthy raspberry notes, a little less concentrated than some in the appellation this year, although this is still very much a muscualr wine for the property, with edges of smoked rosemary herbs. Careful extraction, marked a little bit by heat so the fruit feels a touch baked, but there is juice and freshness here, and it is enjoyable and supple. Guillard family new owners for the last few years, with Alain Moueix still heading things up at this lovely biodynamic property. 34% new barrels. 92 points