About the Wine

Pauillac, with its rich history and unique microclimate near the Gironde River, has given birth to some of Bordeaux's most famous wines. Chateau Fonbadet is no exception, crafting wines that showcase the essence of this remarkable terroir.

Nestled in the iconic Pauillac appellation, Chateau Fonbadet has a storied history that dates back to the early 19th century when it was acquired by Pierre de Gérès de Loupes, a Knight of Malta and a Member of Parliament. His relentless dedication set the stage for generations to come, with each owner preserving the estate's unparalleled quality.

Today, the Peyronie family proudly carries the torch, with Pascale Peyronie at the helm, continuing the legacy of her forebears. With deep roots in the Pauillac region, the Peyronie family has a rich history in Bordeaux winemaking.

The vineyard is divided into three sections, each contributing its distinctive character to the wine. Situated in the north of Pauillac, close to renowned neighbors like Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Fonbadet's vineyards benefit from gravel and sand soils, with some vines aged over 50 years.

At Chateau Fonbadet, winemaking is an art form. In 2014, Pascale Peyronie enlisted the renowned Michel Rolland as their consultant, a move that elevated Chateau Fonbadet to new heights.

2020 was a great year for Bordeaux. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 97-point review and said, "Two thousand-twenty is an exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, certainly the best in the 2018-2020 trilogy. Quality is very, very high."

Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

Reviews

A young red with depth and firmness. The ultra-fine tannins are firm and formed, already giving this wine impressive energy. ~93-94 James Suckling

Tobacco leaves, barbecue, cedar, spearmint, currants and blackberries create a nose worth putting your nose in. On the palate, the wine is fresh, supple, polished and firm, with layers of crémé de cassis, coffee bean, black cherries, plums, spice and creamy tannins. This is even better in the bottle than it was from the barrel. It can for at least 20 years, if you let it. Though I will start drinking my bottles much earlier. Drink from 2025-2045. ~93 The Wine Cellar Insider

Dark ruby, purple reflections, faint ochre brightening on the rim. Fine herbal spice, wood, notes of blackberries and cassis, soft notes of liquorice and tobacco. Juicy, sweet red cherries, lively structure, ripe tannins, mineral-salty finish, already harmonious, a versatile food wine. ~92 Falstaff

Dark garnet with a slight purple hue. Rich dark fruit and some graphite notes, a mild oakiness with fresh cassis, plum and dark fruit. Dense palate, structured with a backbone of ripe tannin, pure and vibrant dark fruit flavours, good grip and polish with a muscular long finish. ~92 Andreas Larsson

Always a terrific wine, especially over the past seven to eight years, the 2020 Château Fonbadet offers a rich, mouth-filling, medium to full-bodied style delivering lots of classic darker currants fruit, a touch of flowers and floral nuances, plenty of background oak, and wonderful purity of fruit. I love its tannins. This is unquestionably going to be an outstanding Pauillac that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and have 20-25 years of overall longevity. ~91-93 Jeb Dunnuck

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