Château Fombrauge, a distinguished Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, represents a significant estate within Bordeaux's Right Bank. Under the ownership of Bernard Magrez, the property benefits from substantial investment in both vineyard management and cellar technology. The estate's terroir, characterised by clay-limestone soils, is ideally suited to Merlot, which forms the backbone of its blend, complemented by Cabernet Franc and a smaller proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2013 vintage presented considerable challenges across Bordeaux, necessitating meticulous vineyard work and rigorous selection to achieve ripeness and concentration. This vintage typically yields wines of earlier accessibility, showcasing a more restrained fruit profile and refined tannic structure, reflecting the cooler growing season.
Tasting notes
The 2013 Château Fombrauge presents a garnet hue with evolving brickish reflections. On the nose, a delicate bouquet of redcurrant and plum is interwoven with subtle notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and a hint of forest floor, indicative of its age and the vintage's character. The palate is medium-bodied, offering a graceful balance of red fruit purity and savoury undertones. Tannins are finely integrated, providing a smooth texture and leading to a persistent, elegant finish with a touch of minerality.