Auf Chateau Fontenil legt der Meister selbst Hand an: Fontenil gehört dem wohl bekanntesten Flying Winemaker der Geschichte, Michel Rolland. Er erwarb Fontenil 1986 und tat die folgenden 13 Jahre nicht viel mehr als renovieren, umbauen und restaurieren. Kaum ein Stein blieb auf dem anderen, bis alles seinen Vorstellungen entsprach. Auch ein Großteil der Weinberge von Chateau Fontenil wurde neu angelegt. Auf neun Hektar wachsen zu 90% Merlot und 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Michel Rolland ist ein Verfechter der Lese zum physiologischen Reifezeitpunkt einer Traube. Dies führt zu weicheren, farbintensiveren Weinen mit moderaten Säure- und Tanninwerten, dazu exotische, süße Frucht, Brombeeren, dezente Holznote - einfach ein perfekter Weingenuss.
92-94+ THE WINEADVOCATE: "Sporting a deep purple-black color, the 2019 Fontenil charges out of the gates with bombastic notions of baked black plums, blueberry preserves and Christmas cake with hints of Chinese five spice, cedar chest and graphite with a touch of underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is charged with wonderfully energetic black fruits plus a lively backbone, framed by ripe, rounded tannins, finishing long and spicy."
18 WEINWISSER: "Dichtes Purpur. Konzentriertes, blaubeeriges Bouquet mit dominikanischem Tabak, exotischen Hölzern und Schokopastillen. Am Gaumen mit cremiger Textur, fleischigem Extrakt und engmaschigem Tanningerüst. Im gebündelten Finale Wildkirschen, Wacholderbeeren und zarte Adstringenz. Ein eleganter Kraftprotz aus Fronsac mit zarten Krallen, sehr gut gelungen dieses Jahr und damit auf dem gleichen Niveau wie 2016."
90 DECANTER: "This is a successful wine, striking a good balance between austerity and fruit. 100% Merlot and has a soft roundness through the finish that speaks to fleshy fruit, backed up by liquorice and black chocolate. Lots to enjoy, easy to recommend. Tasted twice, three weeks apart."
92-93 JAMES SUCKLING: " Mineral and graphite to the purple fruit. Some lavender, too. Medium to full body and firm tannins. A harmonious and balanced Fontenil."
91-93 ANTONIO GALLONI: " The 2019 Fontenil has a plush, luxuriant bouquet with kirsch, raspberry coulis and orange blossom aromas that seems to envelop the olfactory senses. The palate is quite punchy on the entry with a slight metallic note that wears off after a while. There is a touch of bitterness that just detracts on the finish. Otherwise, this is a fine Fronsac." - Neal Martin
91-93 ANTONIO GALLONI: "The 2019 Fontenil is gorgeous. Blood orange and sweet floral notes add brightness to a core of ripe red plum and raspberry. Soft, open-knit and wonderfully inviting, this wine has so much to offer. The 2019 is sensual and full of allure."
92-94 THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Talk about seductive, this sexy, silky little number hits all the right moves. The wine is soft, but there is body and depth of flavor. The finish carries on with all the lushly-textured, chocolate-covered plums and cherries you need. This is one of the best vintages from Fontenil yet. The wine is produced from 100% Merlot, reaching 14.5% alcohol."
92-94 JEB DUNNUCK: "I loved the 2019 Château Fontenil, a ripe, sexy wine that stays balanced, pure and elegant. Giving up a dense ruby/purple color, rocking cassis fruit, lots of tobacco and spice aromatics, and sweet tannins, it´s going to drink nicely right out of the gate yet also keep for 15 years or more."
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