The second time for me to do a vertical tasting at the winery. The philosophy of the estate is moving toward a more and more naturalism style: now being certified bio-dynamic as the next step of being certified organic; the restriction of the using of sulphur--tiny sulphur is only added before the bottling; the maturation includes a couple of ceramics alongside with a concrete tank and an egg concrete in order to increase the pristine fruitiness.

Ripe (black) fruits, black spices and black chocolate suffused the rounded nose of Chateau Fonroque 2012 that dark in style. Chateau Fonroque 2017 was precisely fresh on both nose and palate with loads of exotic spiciness and subtle salinity toward the floral and herbal end. The opulently woody notes (vanilla, spices, black chocolate) were transferred into the backdrop of Chateau Fonroque 2018…(for all the details, please subscribe)…gave the compactness and tension to the mineral-infused finish that was intensely deep yet vibrantly defined. The effort needed 8-10 years of bottle age, and should last at least 30 years. I have known Chateau Fonroque 2019 was something when I tasted it in the barrels with Alain Moueix during my last visit to the chateau. 86% Merlot and the rest is Cabernet Franc. Unfurling in the glass with a somewhat restrained yet fresh and lively aroma that was dominated by…(for all the details, please subscribe)…amplified the refreshment on the satiny end where the keystone was the agreeable juiciness. Well-cellared bottles would easily see out 30 years at a minimum. Chateau Fonroque 2020 was reductive.