Chateau Fombrauge 2018 (Ex Chateau arrival time 4 months)

The 2018 Fombrauge looks very promising on the nose with copious black cherry and boysenberry fruit, though no signs of excess or warmth of alcohol. I appreciate the delineation here. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannins, velvety smooth with ripe blackberry and raspberry finish laced with marmalade. The 40% new oak is nicely integrated here and it should age with style.

The deep ruby/purple-colored 2018 Château Fombrauge is a beauty and one of the finest examples of this cuvée to date. Smoked black fruits, tobacco, graphite, and hints of chocolate all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, rich, impressively concentrated Saint-Émilion that has ripe, sweet tannins, a layered texture, and a great finish. It's a sexy, pleasure-bent beauty that still has class and impeccable balance. Tasted twice.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fombrauge gives up expressive scents of Black Forest cake, blackberry compote and Morello cherries with touches of plum preserves, spice box and potpourri. Full-bodied with a firm, velvety texture and plenty of freshness, all that rich, black fruit delivers a long, spice-sparked finish.