Château Fontenil is a small 7 hectare vineyard in the Fronsac village of Saillans high up above Pomerol and St Emilion. Fontenil is the family home of the world famous Michel Rolland and produces largely Merlot-based red wines that are balanced with some Cab Sauvignon. At the vanguard of the ‘new vignerons’ who are beginning to make Fronsac great again. Attention to detail are the watchwords here, hand-picked grapes placed into small crates to minimize bruising, hand sorting on small tables and a manageable chai that enables head of chai Gerald to be on top of the wine all the time.
Château Fontenil – 2016
€29.50
Official Tasting Notes:
Deep in color, the fruits are fresh, with sweet, juicy, dark, red berries, silky tannins and loads of juicy, blackberries to make the finish a treat.
91 Jeff Leve
John’s View:
Some of the old style Fronsac wines are a bit thin and earthy this is a million miles away from either of these adjectives. In my language I would say almost jammy – not sweet strawberry jam but fresh blueberry. Does not feel dry in the mouth and slips down very smoothly.
Will keep well into the 2030’s and certainly will keep getting better for another 12 months.
Available on back-order
Château Fontenil is a small 7 hectare vineyard in the Fronsac village of Saillans high up above Pomerol and St Emilion. Fontenil is the family home of the world famous Michel Rolland and produces largely Merlot-based red wines that are balanced with some Cab Sauvignon. At the vanguard of the ‘new vignerons’ who are beginning to make Fronsac great again. Attention to detail are the watchwords here, hand-picked grapes placed into small crates to minimize bruising, hand sorting on small tables and a manageable chai that enables head of chai Gerald to be on top of the wine all the time.