Chateau Fombrauge 2016

A balanced Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Chateau Fombrauge is a Grand Cru produced in the Saint-Emilion appellation. This red wine is planted on a vineyard of 58 hectares. The average vine planted is 36 years old. The vines are planted on clay, limestone and sandstone. The wine is aged for 18 months in three different ways. 45% of the yield is aged in new barrels, 45% in used barrels, and 10% in concrete vats. Chateau Fombrauge 2016 is a blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc.

The winter was mild and wet, causing the buds to sprout a week earlier than expected. Early spring was cool and humid. In April, the excess water slowed the development of the grapes. Late May was the beginning of the flowering period, occurring rather late. From June 24-September 12, the summer was incredibly hot and defined by droughts. The clay-limestone soil performs well under these conditions. The grapes appeared on August 4th. Harvest took place on September 30-October 22.

It's magnificent dark red color with purple tears. Chateau Fombrauge 2016 releases enamoring fragrance of red fruits, and beautifully ripe tannins in the mouth. The wine is well-balanced and has a fantastic length. 

Wine Advocate-Parker :
The 2016 Fombrauge is a blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc picked from 30 September to the 22 October, clearly more expressive on the nose compared to the 2016 Magrez-Fombrauge with attractive blackberry, raspberry coulis and cold stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, linear but fresh with a grippy, slightly tarry finish that lingers in the mouth. It needs to find a little more lightness in terms of personality rather than intensity, perhaps not take itself quite so seriously. But I still find much to enjoy here and I look forward to tasting it in bottle. Tasted twice with consistent notes.