2004 Ch. de Fonbel, Grand Cru, St. Emilion

"Alain Vauthier has spared no effort or money to drive up the level of quality at Fonbel, just as he has at his more celebrated properties, Ausone and Moulin St.-Georges. Fonbel is an up-and-coming estate, possessing class, roundness and an appealing approachability even in youth. 2004 was a slightly cool vintage and only those proprietors who worked assiduously in the vineyard made exciting wine. This has the soft, plummy depth associated with ripe Merlot, a rich texture in the mouth, and will prove an excellent accompaniment to lamb, light game dishes or hard cheese." (Alun Griffiths MW- BBR Wine Director)