wine details
reviews
Decanter 92Jane Anson - Earthy raspberry notes, a little less concentrated than some in the appellation this year, although this is still very much a muscualr wine for the property, with edges of smoked rosemary herbs. Careful extraction, marked a little bit by heat so the fruit feels a touch baked, but there is juice and freshness here, and it is enjoyable and supple. Guillard family new owners for the last few years, with Alain Moueix still heading things up at this lovely biodynamic property. 34% new barrels.
James Suckling 94-95
A tensioned red with blackberry, orange peel and dark chocolate character with fine and firm tannins. Precise and focused. Full-bodied yet polished and bright. Much better than in the past. From organically grown grapes.
Wine Advocate 91-93+
Jeb Dunnuck - The second vintage made in the new cellar, the 2022 Château Fonroque checks in as 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. It's a richer, medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated Saint-Emilion offering plenty of plum and darker cherry fruit, a deep, layered mid-palate, ripe tannins, and complex notes of chocolate, violets, acacia flowers, and spice. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
Vinous 89-91
Neal Martin - The 2022 Fonroque offers baked cherries and cassis on the nose, a little too ripe. Very intense and missing a little delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet and candied blueberry and black fruit opening. There's decent length, but it doesn't fully engage as much as others. I've admired what Alain Moueix has achieved at this property, but I wonder if there is just a soupçon of over-ripeness here?
Parker 92-94
The 2022 Fonroque wafts from the glass with sweet aromas of blackberries, cherries, licorice and petals, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy palate with vibrant acids, supple tannins and an intensely mineral finish. Farmed biodynamically for two decades under the direction of Alain Mouiex, this 17-hectare estate on the western extreme of Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau has gone from strength to strength in recent vintages.