2016 Château Fonroque

Description

95   Decanter
“Wet stone, floral and forest floor aspects invite the taster to a wine of finesse and refinement. A light touch of 30% new oak is fully integrated, with subtle spice, never dominating the wet stone freshness and tension on the mid-palate. Long finish. A wine of elegance rather than power. Try with roast chicken and sweet potatoes.” (4/2022)

95   Lisa Perrotti-Brown
“The 2016 Fonroque has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and opens with black cherries, kirsch, warm blueberries and spice box scents plus hints of tobacco and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, it has a chewy line and plenty of earth-inspired flavors, finishing just a tad grippy.” (11/2018)

93   James Molesworth for Wine Spectator
“This has a slightly exotic edge, with warmed fig, crushed plum and steeped raspberry notes, laden with anise, black tea and singed apple wood accents. Though the fruit gushes, this shows focused energy through the finish, with a latent graphite hint. Drink now through 2035.” (3/2019)

91   Jeb Dunnuck
“A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Château Fonroque is a pretty, classy wine that has plenty of tobacco and earthy notes, plenty of darker fruits, medium body, and a supple, lightly textured, balanced style on the palate. It doesn’t match the 2015 yet is a beautiful, elegant, nuanced wine to drink over the coming 10-15 years.” (2/2019)