1996 Chateau Fonbadet (Ex Chateau)

1996 Chateau Fonbadet (Ex Chateau)

The 1996 Château Fonbadet exemplifies the exceptional quality of this vintage for Pauillac while offering a unique character that sets it apart from its peers. Sourced directly from the château, this wine reflects the careful cultivation of vines situated on gravelly soils in the heart of Pauillac, a region renowned for producing structured and age-worthy wines.

On the nose, intriguing aromas of warm oak and rusty copper intermingle with subtle earthy tones, offering a bouquet that is both rustic and refined. The palate is medium-bodied, with an elegant style more reminiscent of Pessac-Léognan or Graves than the classic Pauillac profile. Unlike the typical vegetal and steamy notes often associated with Pauillac, this wine delivers a mature, grounded expression, dominated by earthy nuances and a touch of minerality.

Aged gracefully over the decades, the 1996 Château Fonbadet is drinking beautifully now, with well-integrated tannins and a balanced structure. Its good maturity makes it highly pleasant to enjoy today, yet its solid backbone ensures it can continue to age gracefully for another 10 to 20 years.