2016 Fombrauge, St-Emilion
SKU #1435436
93-95 points
Wine Enthusiast
This is a perfumed wine, likely thanks to a dollop (7%) of Cabernet Franc. It has ripe fruit characters, pleasant richness and a firm structure. (RV)
(4/2017)
94 points
James Suckling
There’s a very rich and powerful core of red-plum and mulberry aromas and flavors here, delivering an assertive and very shimmery, polished palate. Great tannin texture. Long and regal. Every bit as good as the 2015, but more lively in 2016.
(2/2019)
94 points
Vinous
The 2016 Fombrauge has come together beautifully during its aging and is now a much more refined wine than it was from barrel. Sweet red berry fruit, mocha, espresso, mint and floral notes all grace this exquisite, mid-weight Saint-Émilion. The 2016 is simply impeccable, not to mention incredibly delicious. There is not much more to it than that. (AG)
(1/2019)
92 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Fombrauge sings of lively kirsch, baked black cherries and warm plums notes plus touches of potpourri, cigar box and garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with decadent red and black fruit preserves, structured by velvety tannins and finishing with fantastic length. (LPB)
(11/2018)
92 points
Wine Spectator
Big and broad in feel, with a cocoa lacing from start to finish that weaves around dark fig and blackberry preserve flavors. Roasted apple wood and tobacco notes score the finish, leaving a touch of woodsy grip echoing. (JM)
(3/2019)
91 points
Jeb Dunnuck
Leafy herbs, black fruits, and damp earth notes all emerge from the 2016 Château Fombrauge, which is 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec aged 18 months in 45% new oak. Falling under the Bernard Magrez umbrella, it's a totally charming, forward, medium to full-bodied 2016 that has notable complexity, good (not great) mid-palate depth, no hard edges, and loads of character. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years or so.
(2/2019)
K&L Notes
92+ points Neal Martin in Vinous: "The 2016 Fombrauge has a lovely bouquet of black cherries, raspberry, sandalwood and wild mint aromas, quite complex and nicely detailed and the oak neatly assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. There is an attractive spiciness on the back palate, and the vibrant, energetic finish keeps you returning for another sip. This is very promising wine from Bernard Magrez's portfolio." (08/2020)
