About the Wine

Fonréaud, formerly known as "Font-réaux", translates to "Royal Fountain." Legend has it that in the twelfth century, the King of England, while accompanying Eleanor of Aquitaine, stopped to quench his thirst at a fresh spring on this very estate. Today, this legendary name graces a wine that stands as a testament to its storied past.

The current cellars of Château Fonréaud date back to the 17th century, meticulously overhauled over time. The château itself was constructed in 1850 by Henri Le Blanc de Mauvezin, replacing the original farmhouse. Despite remaining unfinished for many years, the estate saw a renaissance in 1962 when Léo Chanfreau, a winemaker from Algeria, took on the challenge of restoring it. He replanted the vineyards, constructed new concrete vats, and rebuilt the château's south wing stone by stone.

Today, Guillaume and Loïc Chanfreau carry forward the family tradition with passion and dedication. The vineyard, arranged like an amphitheatre facing the château, straddles the Listrac-Médoc and Moulis Appellations. It occupies the highest point of the Médoc at 43 meters, with gravelly slopes that produce exceptional wines.

Château Fonréaud's vineyards benefit from a unique micro-climate, thanks to their location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary. This Pyrenean gravel terrace ensures ideal drainage and ripening conditions. The mosaic of gravelly soils, resting on an Oligocene clay-limestone base, is planted with traditional Médoc grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot)

Château Fonréaud is committed to sustainable viticulture, following the Cousinié Method and the Terra-Vitis philosophy. The estate practices natural grass sowing and plowing, and protects the vines from diseases with minimal intervention. Rigorous checks on wines, corks, packaging, barrels, and vats ensure the highest quality.

The 2019 Château Fonréaud Listrac-Médoc is a quintessential Médoc wine, recognized for its round and racy character. It has been classified as a Cru Bourgeois Supérieur and is a member of the prestigious Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux.

2019 is unquestionably a Left Bank vintage. Vinous Media blessed this vintage with a 97 Point review, where they say that "The 2019s combine the textural creaminess of the 2009s with the vibrancy of the 2010s."

Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: 53 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 43 %Merlot & 4 % Petit Verdot. 

Reviews

The wine is elegant yet dense with plenty of ripe black currant fruits and set for some long-term aging. Its tannins and its balance between structured Cabernet and full-bodied Merlot give the wine a fine tension. ~92-94 Wine Enthusiast

A bright and accessible wine in Listrac from the Vignobles Chanfreau portfolio, a little more austerity here than in their Lestage. Feels ambitious, with appealing smoked coffee bean aromatics that add a gourmet touch. Damson fruits abound, tannins are bouncy rather than silky, this should widen out nicely over ageing and is good quality. 30% new oak. ~92 Decanter

Berry and light coffee-bean aromas follow through to a medium body with firm tannins and a lightly chewy finish. Very typical. Well crafted. Needs a year or two to soften, but very nice already. ~91 James Suckling

Dark ruby ​​garnet, violet reflections, subtle brightening of the edges. Cherry fruit underlined with delicate roasted aromas, red wild berries, inviting bouquet. Red berries on the palate, fine fruit sweetness, integrated tannins, delicate nougat caramel on the finish, fresh, mineral and stimulating to drink. ~91 Falstaff

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