2016 Chateau de Fonbel Saint Emilion Grand Cru

I rediscovered this wine at a tasting last week. We sold prior vintages for over $50 a bottle. When I saw we could offer the great 2016 vintage for under $30 and after tasting again, we backed up the truck. Incredible quality for under $30, owned by and made by the same team that makes Chateau Ausone (2016 Ausone sell for over $1000 a bottle), the 2016 Chateau de Fonbel is a great buy for fall drinking and beyond.

Chateau de Fonbel has a long, ancient history that dates all the way back to the times when the ancient Romans were active in St. Emilion cultivating grapes for wine. However, the modern era for Chateau Fonbel starts in 1971, when Alain Vauthier purchased the estate. The Vauthier family are of course better known for owning the famous estate, Chateau Ausone , as well as Chateau Moulin St. Georges in Saint Emilion and the neighboring vineyard of Chateau La Clotte . The vineyard is located on a slope, not too far from Chateau Ausone, Chateau Moulin St. Georges or the picturesque village of Saint Emilion. The property is still owned by the Vauthier family. 2016 is a great vintage, 96pt Parker Vintage, rivalling the finest ever 2005, 1990, 61 and 45. Magnificently rich , glorious fruit, all silk and satin. Wait till you taste it. I strongly recommend.