Chateau Fonroque is the birthplace of the Moueix family in Saint-Emilion. This property was bought in 1931 by Jean and Adèle, the great grandparents of Alain Moueix, who is now director of this lovely wine estate. In 2005, as a logical progression of all the procedures undertaken by Alain Moueix and his team, biodynamic methods were implemented for the entire vineyard (started in 2002). For Alain Moueix, this type of viticulture brings more coherence to his commitment to ecological and high-quality winegrowing. His motivations take into account the environment, the durability of the soils and an aim to bring out the best expression of the terroir as well as the intensity and fine balance of the wines.
The 2016 Chateau Fonroque is 90% Merlot, with 10% Cabernet Franc, mostly from the limestone-heavy plateau and high slopes. It is a sturdy, powerful St.-Emilion of great strength and elegance. Wine was fermented naturally in concrete, and aged in a mix of barrique, with 30% being new. Wonderfully plummy nose, red cherry, raspberry syrup, hints of graphite, cocoa, black licorice, very ripe dark, dank roses and violets. The palate is cool and mineral, with strawberry, plum, blackberry, blueberries, herbs, with a hint of bell pepper. Long finish, high acid, tannin on the gums and middle of the tongue – with airy, lingering flavors of freshly cracked black pepper and graphite. Absolutely delicious!
‘The 2016 Fonroque, part of the portfolio of Alain Moueix, put in a killer performance this year. It has a lighter bouquet compared to its peers with dusky black fruit, quite tertiary and introverted at first, although it does gain more expression and vigor with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin on the entry, very refined and poised without compensating in terms of fruit. I adore the finish here, really sleek and stylish with very fine mineralité and classicism. Bravo Alain Moueix!’ Neil Martin, Wine Advocate, 2017
“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.” Score 95, Lisa Perotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, Nov 2018
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