Chateau Fontenil 2018

Chateau Fontenil is the flagship wine of Michel and Dany Rolland's estate in the Fronsac appellation of Bordeaux. Produced entirely from Merlot grown on clay-limestone soils, it offers aromas of black cherry, plum, licorice and spice with polished tannins, freshness and a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs best with grilled steak, roast lamb, duck confit, braised beef and aged hard cheeses.

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

The 2018 Chateau Fontenil is a beautiful wine that readers will be happy to have in their cellar. Coming from the home estate of Michel and Dany Rolland in Fronsac, it offers a saturated ruby-purple hue as well as terrific Pomerol-like aromas and flavors of cassis, damp earth, violets and cedary spice. Flawlessly balanced, medium-bodied, with background oak as well as chalky minerality, it is already hard to resist yet has another 10-15 years of prime drinking ahead of it. It is a hidden gem in the vintage.

93 Points - James Suckling

Blueberry and raspberry notes with wood and earthy undertones. It is full-bodied with nice acidity and intense, creamy tannins. Beautiful, clean finish. Still tight, as it should be. Drink after 2023.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fontenil hits the ground running with vivacious notes of baked black plums, stewed black cherries and black raspberry preserves, followed by hints of molten licorice, ground cloves and sandalwood. The rich, full-bodied palate is jam-packed with black fruit preserves and exotic spice accents, framed by plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.

93 Points - Wine Spectator

Solid, with raspberry and plum compote notes, allied to a good chalky spine. Reveals a nice tobacco hint on the finish.

Barrel Sample: 90-93