Chateau Fontarabie Bordeaux

Faure Estate have been producing classy, award winning Bordeaux reds since the 70s….1870s that is! Delphine Faure is the sixth generation of the Faure family who have been running this estate in Cotes de Bourg on Bordeaux’s right bank for 150 years!

In 1995 Delphine bought out Chateau Fontarabie in the neighbouring Cotes de Blaye appellation. A fifteen hectare site and one of the best terroirs in the area. That’s what their marketing guys told us, but heck the proof’s in the pudding right? And when you’ve won an incredible FIVE Gold medals and a highly respectable 91 Point rating by Decanter magazine, all for under $20, well that is one hell of a bargain buy!

This is a 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon blend with the silky, soft, juicy Merlot and black fruited Cabernet for a bit of structure and backbone and a touch of spice. It really does slip down very nicely!

For the record, here are the impressive list of gongs…

Gold medal (Gilbert & Gaillard Int’l Wine Challenge 2020)
Gold medal (Concours Mondial des Vins Paris 2020)
Gold medal (Concours des Vins Terre de Vins 2020)
Gold medal (Concours des Vins Elle a Table 2020)
Gold medal (70 Million de Consommateurs)
91 Points (Decanter magazine)

The guys in Decanter had this to say – “Seductive and heady nose here, floral notes and purple fruits. Lovely density and weight on the palate, chewy and gently gripping. Cherry, strawberry and blueberry juice and purity of flavour. Feels headier and more rich compared to many but well balanced. Really enjoyable glass. Drink 2021-2025.”

If Bordeaux lingo sends you in a spin, here’s a quick 101 run down on the bits you might like to know…

* Bordeaux is wine from Bordeaux in France (duh)
* Most (around 90%) Bordeaux wine is a blend made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (other varieties include Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec).
* Sub regions are split into Left Bank (Médoc and Grave) and Right Bank (Libournais)
* Left bank is typically more Cabernet Sauvignon, Right bank typically more Merlot dominant
* Cotes de Blaye is a sub region on the right bank

Now here’s a little French left bank and right bank wine and food tip:
If it’s left bank, it’s going to be Cabernet dominant so bust it out with heavy, fattier, saltier and spicier steaks & lamb.
If it’s right bank it’s going to be Merlot dominant, so these are just the ticket with leaner or more savory meats like pork or duck.

We’ve managed to secure the very last stocks of this multi award winning Bordeaux from Faure Estate – grab it while you can!

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