Wine Highlight: Chateau Fonroque 2016
The 2016 Chateau Fonroque is a seriously charming Grand Cru Saint Emilion, attractively priced, from one of the region’s most progressive and respected estates.
Under the guidance of Alain Moueix Chateau Fonroque became the first classified growth in Bordeaux to be both organically and biodynamically certified, setting the benchmark for a more holistic, terroir driven approach in the region. Inspired by a visit to Burgundy’s Anne-Claude Leflaive, Moueix embraced biodynamics to capture greater energy, clarity, and precision in his wines, a decision that has since earned him widespread respect.
"Moueix reputedly had to endure hostility and ridicule from many of his neighbours in the mid-2000s, partly as biodynamic viticulture inevitably results in reduced yields. Over time, the quality and elegance of his wines proved the point. Today Mouiex is no longer regarded as an outcast, but rather a front-runner." Decanter
The Fonroque estate spans 20 hectares, just a few hundred metres northwest of the village of Saint Emilion. Its 17.6 hectares of vines occupy a single, contiguous stretch of plateau and west-facing hillside - a striking mosaic of the appellation’s three principal soil types. The limestone plateau features light soils over starfish limestone rich in marine fossils, the mid-slope is composed of clay-limestone, and the foot of the hill transitions to sandy loam and clay. This plateau forms the historic core of Saint Emilion, home to nearly all of the Premiers Grands Crus Classés.
"The 2016 Fonroque has quite a heady, spirituous bouquet of macerated small black cherries, blueberry and crushed violets. The medium-bodied palate offers fleshy ripe black and red fruit laced with orange peel and cedar, building confidently in the mouth toward a precise finish. Drink 2021-2038." Neal Martin, Vinous.com
The 2016 vintage is a gorgeous example of modern Bordeaux and is just entering a real sweet spot with sumptuous ripe fleshy fruit, vibrant minerality and wonderfully silky tanins. Delicious.