2006 Ch. de Fonbel, Grand Cru, St Emilion

Made by Alain Vauthier, this is an undiscovered gem that you can drink now or keep for four to five years
(Alexander Garrett - Money Observer - 01-Feb-2010)

When tasting in Bordeaux with Alain Vauthier in his curious, cavernous troglodyte cellars at Château Ausone, and when his whole family of wines is on show (Châteaux Simard, Moulin-St-Georges, as well as Fonbel and Ausone), it is possible to read the genealogy, of purity, intensity and detail.  Although Fonbel sits below Moulin-St-Georges (and, of course, Ausone) in the pecking order, its 40 ha of vines do produce an exemplary St. Emilion.  The lusher notes from the Merlot flow across the palate whilst the modest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon enlivens and asserts around the edges.  Enjoyable now for its exuberance, but sufficiently structured to age for a couple of years (or more), this is a more than worthy member of the Vauthier coterie.
(Mark Pardoe MW, BBR Wholesale - Tasted at the St Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes Cellar Tasting, 03/12/09 )

A sleeper of the vintage from the perfectionist proprietor of Chateau Ausone, Alain Vauthier, this elegant St.-Emilion offers up scents of lead pencil shavings intermixed with blueberries, black currants, and boysenberries, and plenty of minerality. This 2006 should drink nicely for 10-12 years. Good value.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate- Feb 09)