2013 Fontenil

92 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

The Rolland family property has produced a classic wine, fresh and fruity, with just a gentle touch of wood. It has some ripe fruitiness that is forward and attractive.

James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

Fresh, with a savory edge to the notes of raspberry coulis and cherry preserves. A briary hint lines the finish. Direct. —J.M.

Stephen Tanzer - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Bright medium ruby.  Ripe, slightly high-toned aromas of black cherry and milk chocolate lifted by violet.  Fairly big, rich and pliant, with ripe but energetic dark berry and smoky flavors persisting nicely. Finishes with sweet tannins and a repeating floral note.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

One of the stars of the Right Bank’s less prestigious Fronsac region, Fontenil is owned by Michel and Dany Rolland. No luxury cuvee Le Defi de Fontenil was produced in this vintage, but the 2013 Fontenil boasts a dark ruby/purple color as well as lots of raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with a floral note, medium body, unobtrusive acids, and a shorter than usual, but still adequate finish. It should drink well for 5-7 years.

James Suckling

I like the mineral, berry and leaf character here. Medium to full body, firm tannins, fresh finish.

Peter Moser - Falstaff Magazine

Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, schwarzer Kern, violette Reflexe, Nuancen von Brombeeren und Heidelbeeren, zarte Gewürzanklänge, Mandarinenzesten. Schlank, rotbeerig, dezente Tannine, zarte blättrige Würze im Abgang, unkomplizierter Speisenbegleiter.

Steven Spurrier - Decanter

A Michel Rolland wine. Nose clean but restrained. Juicy fuit and fine persistent  tannins. Well executed - nothing pushed 16/20