2023 Fonroque (St-Emilion)

Medium intensity ruby red, plenty of ripe raspberry and red cherry fruits on the nose, not as inky as some, with more nuance and florality among the fruits, violet edging, bitter anis on the finnish, this is charming, with balance. 31% new barrels, 25% barrels that have contained at least one previous wine, 20% foudre, 18% amphora and 6% concrete tank. 91 points

The 2023 Fonroque offers up aromas of sweet cherries, dark berries and licorice, framed by a deft touch of new wood. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple, with a velvety attack that segues into a taut, mineral finish that`s typical of this terroir, it`s another strong performance from this biodynamically farmed 17-hectare estate on the western extreme of Saint-Émilion`s limestone plateau. 91-93 points

The 2023 Fonroque has a tad more opulence on the nose compared to some of its peers, though it might have shaved away some of its definition in the process. The palate is medium-bodied with a little chewiness on the entry. Crisp toward the finish, with mainly red fruit laced with graphite and crushed stone, this Saint-Émilion improves as it goes on. I will give it the benefit of the doubt and hope that the aromatics gain a little more clarity. 90-92 points