Fonbadet 2019 75cl

Aromas of blackcurrant, walnut and dark tobacco follow through to a medium body with well-integrated tannins to pull the whole thing together. Flavorful and complex finish. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, 15% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot and malbec. A year or two will make it so much better, but I like it now. Try after 2024.

From a 12-hectare estate sandwiched in between Pontet Canet, Pédesclaux and Lafite, the 2019 Fonbadet offers up aromas of cassis, plums, cocoa nib and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, lively and creditably concentrated, it's built around powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully chewy finish

Features a flash of black pepper that gives way to a lightly steeped plum and black currant core, with hints of charcoal and singed tobacco on the slightly rustic finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2023 through 2031. 5,800 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. — JM