Grape

70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot

Its Origins

To the north of the little village of Saint-Lambert, the Château Fonbadet vineyard boasts a choice location, amidst the most reputed estates of the Pauillac Appellation, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Lynch Bages, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Château Pichon Baron de Longueville. Fonbadet, the place that gave its name to the estate, is a typical place name in the Médoc terroir, a combination of the Gascon words meaning fountain (fon) of the little valley (badet). In the Middle Ages, the estate was part of the Château Latour domain and all the evidence dating back to that period shows that vines were planted very early on. The vineyard was subsequently owned by families whose names are still remembered by the inhabitants of the region today. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was purchased by Pierre de Gères de Loupes, son of the Lord of Camarsac, who was the Vice-Prefect of Lesparre and Justice of the Peace in Pauillac, and was then owned by the Clarke and Chancel widows at the end of the Second Empire. A century later, the other Médoc growth owned by the Clarke family, Château Clarke in Listrac, was linked to the Rothschild name. In fact, destiny was to link the Peyronie family to that legendary name on several occasions. The 20-hectare vineyard of Château Fonbadet is planted with the traditional Médoc grape varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and an additional 5% Petit Verdot and Malbec. The wines are aged 18 months in barrels, with 30% new oak.

What The Critics Say

92-94/100 Vinous, Neal Martin

"The 2019 Fonbadet is dark purple in colour. The nose is understated at first, but disarming in terms of purity with blackberry, blueberry and graphite aromas, pretty and nicely focused. The palate is fresh on the entry with a slightly grainy texture, very harmonious and bright, almost sorbet-like with fresh citrus notes towards the graphite infused finish. This is a high-quality offering from one of Pauillac's less well-known crus, though this 2019 is potentially their best wine to date." Drink 2024 - 2045

93/100 Decanter, Jane Anson

"Good Pauillac typicity here from the first mouthful, as the tannins step up to the plate and enrobe the savoury black fruits. Has that lovely acid backbone that Pauillac does so well, and feels like there is real architecture to hang the fruit off. Great quality from Fonbadet in this vintage, recommended. Harvest 23 to October 11. A yield of 55hl/ha. 40% new oak." Drink 2027 - 2040

91-93/100 Vinous, Antonio Galloni

"The 2019 Fonbadet is racy and so inviting. Plush fruit and soft contours give the 2019 a fabulous sense of immediacy. An infusion of black cherry, plum, licorice, spice and lavender wraps around the palate as this sumptuous Pauillac shows off its alluring personality. There is so much to like here."