The 2009 Magrez Fombrauge, a Bordeaux blend from the prestigious Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a standout red wine that has garnered significant attention from professional reviewers. This wine, produced by Magrez Fombrauge, exemplifies the robust and complex characteristics typical of its vintage.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the 2009 Magrez Fombrauge an impressive score of 97. The reviewer described the wine as having "tiny yields, malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees, and no fining or filtration," contributing to its "exotic, full-throttle" profile. The tasting notes highlight an "explosive nose of blueberry pie, lead pencil shavings, black truffles, camphor, incense, and toasty oak." The wine is noted for its extraction and full-bodied nature, with "enormous quantities of fruit, extract, tannin, and glycerin." Despite an alcohol content of just over 14%, it is described as having a transformative potential, evolving from a "blockbuster fruit bomb" to a more "civilized, elegant, and streamlined" wine over time. Parker advises forgetting the wine for 5-6 years and enjoying it over the subsequent 25-30 years.
Vinous provided a balanced review, scoring the wine 92 points. The 2009 Magrez Fombrauge is noted for its "deep garnet core with little aging on the rim." The bouquet is described as "attractive with melted red berry fruit, black olive compote, and light desiccated orange peel aromas, nicely defined and elegant in style." The palate is medium-bodied with "grainy tannin, gentle grip, and quite savory with Chinese 5-spice and white pepper sprinkled over the finish." The reviewer, Neal Martin, praised its long aftertaste and noted that despite being 100% Merlot, it exudes characteristics reminiscent of ripe Cabernet Franc.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gave the wine a score of 95, commending its depth and youthfulness. He described the wine as "smoky, rich, powerful, and loaded with licorice, black cherry, espresso, and earthy nuances that carry through from start to finish." Leve suggests giving this "full, concentrated wine another 5 years to further integrate."
In summary, the 2009 Magrez Fombrauge is a complex and robust Bordeaux blend that has been well-received by critics. Its potential for aging and evolving flavors make it a wine worth considering for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.