The 2020 Fonbadet Bordeaux Blend from Pauillac, Bordeaux, is a red wine that has garnered attention for its dynamic character and promise of longevity. Crafted by the producer Fonbadet, this blend consists of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot, showcasing the classic Bordeaux profile.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine an impressive 94 points, praising it for its "textbook aromatics of blackcurrants, cassis, graphite, tobacco, and a kiss of background oak," and describing it as "balanced" with a "medium to full-bodied" palate. He emphasized its potential for aging, noting it will be ready in 4-6 years and can last for two decades.
Decanter also gave the wine a strong 93-point rating, highlighting its "cool blue fruit and chalky mineral edge," along with "blackcurrant and black cherries." The review noted its "soft muscles, gently flexing," with fine tannins providing definition and power, yet retaining a delicate nature.
James Suckling's review, penned by Claire Nesbitt, echoed the positive sentiment with another 93 points. The wine was noted for its "cedar, black plums, blackberries, graphite and lemon leaves" on the nose, and described as "serious and mineral yet velvety too."
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also rated it 93 points, commending the wine's "fresh, supple, polished and firm" palate, with layers of "crémé de cassis, coffee bean, black cherries, plums, spice and creamy tannins." He remarked on its improvement in the bottle over time and recommended drinking from 2025-2045.
The Wine Independent gave the wine a 92-point score, noting its "expressive black and red currant notes" and "spicy kick on the long finish."
Vinous offered a slightly different perspective, with Antonio Galloni awarding it 93 points but noting a desire for more complexity, although he appreciated its "soft, succulent" nature and ease of enjoyment.
Overall, the 2020 Fonbadet is a well-received Bordeaux blend promising elegance and aging potential, with several reviewers highlighting its aromatic complexity and refined structure.