Château Fonréaud 2019

Rustic on the nose, bramble fruits and a touch of herbaceousness. The palate is well textured, with good grip from the tannins, but the fruit is coming across a little dry at this point. Good initial juiciness – bright and vivid cherry – and great acidity that’s lively, then it tightens and turns a little sombre. I like the chalky, almost mineral aspect once the tannins have subsided, with an enjoyable cooling finish. Lots of excellent potential.

Berry and light coffee-bean aromas follow through to a medium body with firm tannins and a lightly chewy finish. Very typical. Well crafted. Needs a year or two to soften, but very nice already.

51% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot. Barrel sample. Crimson hue. Medium-bodied, ripe with good fruit density. Subdued red and dark fruit notes. Fleshy palate with acidity offering a lively, keen edge. Fine tannic frame. Finishes a little dry from the oak, which should dissipate. (JL)

Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle bright rim. Cherry fruit underlaid with delicate toasty aromas, red wild berry, an inviting bouquet. Red berry flavour on the palate, fine fruity sweetness, integrated tannins, some minerality, and gentle nougat caramel on the finish. It is a fresh and pleasant wine to drink.

A more modern-styled Listrac, the 2019 Château Fonréaud reveals a ruby/purple hue as well as spicy oak-laced red and black fruits, lots of spice and vanilla, medium body, a supple, elegant mouthfeel, and a good finish. While the oak is certainly present, it's integrated, and the overall impression here is a charming, supple, nicely fruited Listrac that offers considerable pleasure. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years.

Kunz barrel sample 2020: (45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 51% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 14% alc. by vol., production 140,000 bottles) Slim, light bouquet, red berries, toasted notes, nut shells. Sleek palate with delicate fruit, light aromatics, good tannin, bourgeois structure, austere finish.

(45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 51% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 14% alc. vol., production 140,000 bottles) Slim, light bouquet, red berries, roasted notes, nutshells. Slender palate with delicate fruit, subtle aromatics, good tannins, bourgeois structure, bitter finish. 16/20 2024 - 2035

You hit a wall of tannins on the opening beats of this wine, and you need to give it time in the glass or a carafe to release the bilberry and blueberry fruits — think high juice, high acid. As it softens, it rewards with grilled cedar and deep dark chocolate. Appealing. 30% new oak. Antoine Medeville is the consultant at this estate, owned by Vignobles Chanreau. A yield of 39hl/ha.

A blend of 51% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Fonreaud is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It features cedar and pencil lead scents to begin, giving way to notions of cassis, baked plums, and dried herbs, plus a hint of tapenade. Medium-bodied, the palate has a firm, grainy texture and plenty of freshness to support the tightly wound black fruits, finishing with a mineral lift.

We appreciate the open, expressive nose with aromas of very ripe red fruits, clove-like notes, and cocoa. The palate is fleshy, with very tight tannins that will soften. Very well-balanced finish.

Flavorful and full of potential. Lovely fruit intensity, complemented by floral and smoky notes; a rich, generous, warm palate with tight, ripe tannins and a persistent finish. Tasty, with potential.

While clearly showing its barrel ageing, the bouquet of Fonréaud 2019 also manages to highlight its complexity through numerous nuances. It reveals aromas of blueberries and blackcurrant followed by notes of liquorice and cinnamon. Creamy, moreish attack. The wine has body with compact, fine-grained tannins. The acidity works in the background yet brings energy and freshness, balancing the whole palate. Lovely fruit intensity and a pleasant freshness on the finish. A delicious wine that deserves a little time in the cellar.

Dark, purple colour. Discreet nose. Soft on the attack through the mid-palate, while the finish is a little harsh. Medium length.

From the home property of the Chanfreau family, this wine is structured, with spicy tannins over jammy black fruits. A core of dryness will propel the aging process. Drink this wine from 2026.