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Chateau de Fonbel, Saint-Emilion, 2020

Red Wine from Bordeaux, France
by Chateau de Fonbel
$35.99
Taxes and shipping calculated at checkout.
Use code 10OFF to get 10% off 12+ bottles

A back-door way to drink the hands behind Chateau Ausone. Fonbel belongs to the Vauthier family, the same people who make one of Saint-Emilion's most legendary wines, and it lets you taste their touch for a fraction of the outlay. The 2020 is Merlot-led with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and a rare splash of old-vine Carmenere, and about 70% of it was raised in tank rather than barrel to keep the fruit vivid and unforced. It was also the estate's first vintage of organic farming. From a warm but fresh Right Bank vintage, it's charming and open now and will hold well for a decade or more.

Shipping

Every step of the journey is managed to uphold the integrity of each bottle.

  • Nationwide Access: Flat-rate shipping available to most U.S. states with delivery in 3-5 business days.
  • Temperature-Monitored Shipping: We closely monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions to ensure shipments travel safely, with insulated packaging and refrigerated transport available when required.
  • Wine-Specific Protective Packaging: Specialized materials designed to maintain label integrity and prevent breakage during transit.
  • Provenance Assured: All wines are maintained in climate-controlled conditions at our shop until the moment of dispatch.

Returns & Exchanges

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  • Corked wine? Full refund or exchange within 60 days
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Phone: (212) 477-1315

Antonio Galloni

92 points

"The 2020 De Fonbel is bright, punchy and bursting with fruit. Sweet floral accents lift a core of red berry fruit in a soft, caressing Saint-Émilion that will drink well pretty much right out of the gate. The 2020 is an absolute delight. I imagine this charming, mid-weight Saint-Émilion will drink well for another 10-15 years. Today, it is absolutely delicious. I especially like the energy here." —Antonio Galloni

Robert Parker

91 points

"Fully 70% of the Vauthier family's 2020 Fonbel was aged in tank, and that no doubt helps to explain its appealing purity of fruit. Bursting with notes of cherries, berries, petals and anise, it's medium to full-bodied, lively and charming."

Jancis Robinson

16 points

"Juicy and fruit-driven with considerable freshness. Red- and dark-fruit notes. Touch more concentration due to yield. Light but finely etched tannins. Simple but pleasing." —Jancis Robinson MW

Decanter

89 points

"This is a little tight on the opening, bright fruit running underneath but clear austerity to the tannins, and touches of tobacco leaf and redcurrant fruits that feel a little strained. Enjoyable coffee smoke as it opens, and there is delicacy. First year of conversion to organic farming." —Jane Anson

Wine Enthusiast

91 points

"Some powerful tannins along with black fruits. It is a juicy wine, ripe with black-currant flavors and a light structure. Drink the wine from 2026." —Roger Voss

More about

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Cabernet Franc , Merlot , Other Regional Grapes , Red Blend

  • Vintage

    2020

  • Size

    750ml

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Medium Bodied

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

What has to say about this wine:

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Roast duck, grilled lamb chops, mushroom-forward pasta, or a good burger.

Tasting Profile

Plummy dark fruit, cocoa, and a hint of leaf. Medium to full-bodied with supple, fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity, and a clean, fruit-driven finish.