Wine Advocate (94)

This is a sensational effort. A limited production cuvee fashioned from five plus acres of the Fombrauge vineyard, the debut vintage was 2000. The fruit is picked extremely ripe and given an unusually long maceration, resulting in a modern-styled blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc made from low yields of 24 hectoliters per hectare. A black/blue color is accompanied by an extraordinary nose of melted chocolate, espresso roast, creme de cassis, smoke, and charcoal. It boasts a fabulous texture, hints of lead pencil shavings, a full-bodied, dense, heady mid-palate, low acidity, and a voluptuously textured, rich finish that lasts for nearly a minute. Considerable tannin lurks beneath the surface, but it is well-concealed by the wine’s wealth of fruit, extract, and glycerin. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016. Bravo!

The 'Magrez Fombrauge 2002' is a masterpiece of vinaceous artistry, embodying the true essence of grand Saint-Émilion grandeur. This exquisite offering hails from the prestigious wine wunderkind Bernard Magrez, famed for producing consistent high-quality Bordeaux wines. The '2002' is a superb testament to this commitment, adroitly crafted from a blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This composition reflects the quintessential Saint-Émilion terroir, epitomised in its velvety texture, nuanced complexity, and commanding structure.

Each grape is meticulously handpicked from the acclaimed Fombrauge vineyards, expertly fermented in vats, then aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months. What emerges is a wine of stunning depth and nuance: ripe black fruits, opulent tannins, seductive hints of cocoa and coffee, and a lingering finish. Savour the 'Magrez Fombrauge 2002', an embodiment of the grandeur of Saint-Émilion's vinicultural heritage.

The 'Magrez Fombrauge 2002' is a masterpiece of vinaceous artistry, embodying the true essence of grand Saint-Émilion grandeur. This exquisite offering hails from the prestigious wine wunderkind Bernard Magrez, famed for producing consistent high-quality Bordeaux wines. The '2002' is a superb testament to this commitment, adroitly crafted from a blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This composition reflects the quintessential Saint-Émilion terroir, epitomised in its velvety texture, nuanced complexity, and commanding structure.

Each grape is meticulously handpicked from the acclaimed Fombrauge vineyards, expertly fermented in vats, then aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months. What emerges is a wine of stunning depth and nuance: ripe black fruits, opulent tannins, seductive hints of cocoa and coffee, and a lingering finish. Savour the 'Magrez Fombrauge 2002', an embodiment of the grandeur of Saint-Émilion's vinicultural heritage.

The 'Magrez Fombrauge 2002' is a masterpiece of vinaceous artistry, embodying the true essence of grand Saint-Émilion grandeur. This exquisite offering hails from the prestigious wine wunderkind Bernard Magrez, famed for producing consistent high-quality Bordeaux wines. The '2002' is a superb testament to this commitment, adroitly crafted from a blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This composition reflects the quintessential Saint-Émilion terroir, epitomised in its velvety texture, nuanced complexity, and commanding structure.

Each grape is meticulously handpicked from the acclaimed Fombrauge vineyards, expertly fermented in vats, then aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months. What emerges is a wine of stunning depth and nuance: ripe black fruits, opulent tannins, seductive hints of cocoa and coffee, and a lingering finish. Savour the 'Magrez Fombrauge 2002', an embodiment of the grandeur of Saint-Émilion's vinicultural heritage.

The 'Magrez Fombrauge 2002' is a masterpiece of vinaceous artistry, embodying the true essence of grand Saint-Émilion grandeur. This exquisite offering hails from the prestigious wine wunderkind Bernard Magrez, famed for producing consistent high-quality Bordeaux wines. The '2002' is a superb testament to this commitment, adroitly crafted from a blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This composition reflects the quintessential Saint-Émilion terroir, epitomised in its velvety texture, nuanced complexity, and commanding structure.

Each grape is meticulously handpicked from the acclaimed Fombrauge vineyards, expertly fermented in vats, then aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months. What emerges is a wine of stunning depth and nuance: ripe black fruits, opulent tannins, seductive hints of cocoa and coffee, and a lingering finish. Savour the 'Magrez Fombrauge 2002', an embodiment of the grandeur of Saint-Émilion's vinicultural heritage.

Wine Advocate (93)

Rich and full, this modern-styled, beautifully made, majestic, rich, multidimensional St.-Emilion boasts a dark plum/purple color. All the oak has been absorbed, but, surprisingly, there is not a lot of difference between this wine and the regular cuvee of Fombrauge. Nevertheless, this is fuller and richer with plenty of life remaining. Enjoy it over the next decade.

Wine Advocate (93)

Rich and full, this modern-styled, beautifully made, majestic, rich, multidimensional St.-Emilion boasts a dark plum/purple color. All the oak has been absorbed, but, surprisingly, there is not a lot of difference between this wine and the regular cuvee of Fombrauge. Nevertheless, this is fuller and richer with plenty of life remaining. Enjoy it over the next decade.

Wine Advocate (93)

Rich and full, this modern-styled, beautifully made, majestic, rich, multidimensional St.-Emilion boasts a dark plum/purple color. All the oak has been absorbed, but, surprisingly, there is not a lot of difference between this wine and the regular cuvee of Fombrauge. Nevertheless, this is fuller and richer with plenty of life remaining. Enjoy it over the next decade.

Wine Advocate (93)

Rich and full, this modern-styled, beautifully made, majestic, rich, multidimensional St.-Emilion boasts a dark plum/purple color. All the oak has been absorbed, but, surprisingly, there is not a lot of difference between this wine and the regular cuvee of Fombrauge. Nevertheless, this is fuller and richer with plenty of life remaining. Enjoy it over the next decade.

Crafted by a renowned vintner, Bernard Magrez, Magrez Fombrauge 2004 is an expression of his unwavering pursuit of excellence. Born in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, a region boasting rich terroir, this French fine wine radiates elegance and complexity. Its blend uniquely honours Merlot's softness, tempered by the rigour of Cabernet Franc, encapsulating the authenticity of the estate's winemaking tradition.

Using a vineyard managed under meticulous standards, each grape variety is harvested and vinified separately to preserve its original qualities. The Magrez Fombrauge 2004 then ages for 18 months in barrels, including 80% new French oak, endowing it with remarkable composition.

Bernard Magrez's commitment to creating top-quality, limited production wines is exemplified in this prestigious vintage. The Magrez Fombrauge 2004 never fails to captivate with its well-rounded and polished tannins, beautiful blackcurrant notes ribboned with hints of vanilla and warm spice, and a distinctive, enduring finish. Revel in the refined extravagance of the Magrez Fombrauge 2004.

Crafted by a renowned vintner, Bernard Magrez, Magrez Fombrauge 2004 is an expression of his unwavering pursuit of excellence. Born in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, a region boasting rich terroir, this French fine wine radiates elegance and complexity. Its blend uniquely honours Merlot's softness, tempered by the rigour of Cabernet Franc, encapsulating the authenticity of the estate's winemaking tradition.

Using a vineyard managed under meticulous standards, each grape variety is harvested and vinified separately to preserve its original qualities. The Magrez Fombrauge 2004 then ages for 18 months in barrels, including 80% new French oak, endowing it with remarkable composition.

Bernard Magrez's commitment to creating top-quality, limited production wines is exemplified in this prestigious vintage. The Magrez Fombrauge 2004 never fails to captivate with its well-rounded and polished tannins, beautiful blackcurrant notes ribboned with hints of vanilla and warm spice, and a distinctive, enduring finish. Revel in the refined extravagance of the Magrez Fombrauge 2004.

Crafted by a renowned vintner, Bernard Magrez, Magrez Fombrauge 2004 is an expression of his unwavering pursuit of excellence. Born in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, a region boasting rich terroir, this French fine wine radiates elegance and complexity. Its blend uniquely honours Merlot's softness, tempered by the rigour of Cabernet Franc, encapsulating the authenticity of the estate's winemaking tradition.

Using a vineyard managed under meticulous standards, each grape variety is harvested and vinified separately to preserve its original qualities. The Magrez Fombrauge 2004 then ages for 18 months in barrels, including 80% new French oak, endowing it with remarkable composition.

Bernard Magrez's commitment to creating top-quality, limited production wines is exemplified in this prestigious vintage. The Magrez Fombrauge 2004 never fails to captivate with its well-rounded and polished tannins, beautiful blackcurrant notes ribboned with hints of vanilla and warm spice, and a distinctive, enduring finish. Revel in the refined extravagance of the Magrez Fombrauge 2004.

Wine Advocate (97+)

This luxury micro-cuvée is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from the best parcel on the large Fombrauge vineyard. The wine is aged 22 months in 100% new French oak and bottled with no pumping, fining or filtration. Blueberries galore along with some spring flower notes lead to a sensational perfume that borders on perfection. The color is a saturated purple right to the rim. Full-bodied, with the new oak well-concealed, this super-rich, concentrated and extracted wine is massive and set for another 25-30 years of life. This is one of the most prodigious wines of the vintage and another great success for Bernard Magrez and his winemaking team, led by Michel Rolland. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2045.

Wine Advocate (97+)

This luxury micro-cuvée is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from the best parcel on the large Fombrauge vineyard. The wine is aged 22 months in 100% new French oak and bottled with no pumping, fining or filtration. Blueberries galore along with some spring flower notes lead to a sensational perfume that borders on perfection. The color is a saturated purple right to the rim. Full-bodied, with the new oak well-concealed, this super-rich, concentrated and extracted wine is massive and set for another 25-30 years of life. This is one of the most prodigious wines of the vintage and another great success for Bernard Magrez and his winemaking team, led by Michel Rolland. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2045.

Wine Advocate (97+)

This luxury micro-cuvée is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from the best parcel on the large Fombrauge vineyard. The wine is aged 22 months in 100% new French oak and bottled with no pumping, fining or filtration. Blueberries galore along with some spring flower notes lead to a sensational perfume that borders on perfection. The color is a saturated purple right to the rim. Full-bodied, with the new oak well-concealed, this super-rich, concentrated and extracted wine is massive and set for another 25-30 years of life. This is one of the most prodigious wines of the vintage and another great success for Bernard Magrez and his winemaking team, led by Michel Rolland. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2045.

Wine Advocate (97+)

This luxury micro-cuvée is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from the best parcel on the large Fombrauge vineyard. The wine is aged 22 months in 100% new French oak and bottled with no pumping, fining or filtration. Blueberries galore along with some spring flower notes lead to a sensational perfume that borders on perfection. The color is a saturated purple right to the rim. Full-bodied, with the new oak well-concealed, this super-rich, concentrated and extracted wine is massive and set for another 25-30 years of life. This is one of the most prodigious wines of the vintage and another great success for Bernard Magrez and his winemaking team, led by Michel Rolland. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2045.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)

Bright ruby-red. Brooding, pure aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, bitter chocolate, mocha, menthol and minerals. Then almost surprisingly opulent and sweet, with very rich and fully ripe dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors spreading out to saturate the palate. This is very sexy right now but has the stuffing and fine-grained, toothcoating tannins to support a decade-plus of life in bottle. In fact, some time in the cellar may bring additional complexity.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)

Bright ruby-red. Brooding, pure aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, bitter chocolate, mocha, menthol and minerals. Then almost surprisingly opulent and sweet, with very rich and fully ripe dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors spreading out to saturate the palate. This is very sexy right now but has the stuffing and fine-grained, toothcoating tannins to support a decade-plus of life in bottle. In fact, some time in the cellar may bring additional complexity.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)

Bright ruby-red. Brooding, pure aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, bitter chocolate, mocha, menthol and minerals. Then almost surprisingly opulent and sweet, with very rich and fully ripe dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors spreading out to saturate the palate. This is very sexy right now but has the stuffing and fine-grained, toothcoating tannins to support a decade-plus of life in bottle. In fact, some time in the cellar may bring additional complexity.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)

Bright ruby-red. Brooding, pure aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, bitter chocolate, mocha, menthol and minerals. Then almost surprisingly opulent and sweet, with very rich and fully ripe dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors spreading out to saturate the palate. This is very sexy right now but has the stuffing and fine-grained, toothcoating tannins to support a decade-plus of life in bottle. In fact, some time in the cellar may bring additional complexity.

Wine Advocate (90)

This modern-styled St.-Emilion exhibits a lot of extraction along with a dark ruby/purple color, and opulent blueberry pie and black raspberry notes intermixed with white chocolate and espresso. The extraction pulls back just before it becomes overdone. The tannins are noticeable, but sweet. Give this 2007 1-2 years of cellaring, and enjoy it over the next 10-12 years.

Wine Advocate (90)

This modern-styled St.-Emilion exhibits a lot of extraction along with a dark ruby/purple color, and opulent blueberry pie and black raspberry notes intermixed with white chocolate and espresso. The extraction pulls back just before it becomes overdone. The tannins are noticeable, but sweet. Give this 2007 1-2 years of cellaring, and enjoy it over the next 10-12 years.

Vinous - Neal Martin (88)

The 2008 Magrez-Fombrauge has a very ripe and rather monotonous bouquet, quite high-toned with iodine scents developing in the glass. Frankly, it could come from the New World as much as Bordeaux. The palate is chewy on the entry, quite dry in terms of tannin, grippy but coarse and lacking tension and elegance towards the finish. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 10-Year On tasting.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2009 Magrez-Fombrauge has a deep garnet core with little ageing on the rim. The bouquet is attractive with melted red berry fruit, black olive compote and light desiccated orange peel aromas, nicely defined and elegant in style. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, gentle grip, quite savory with Chinese 5-spice and white pepper sprinkled over the finish. It feels like some ripe Cabernet Franc here (even though it is 100% Merlot) and the aftertaste is commendably long. Very fine. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2009 Magrez-Fombrauge has a deep garnet core with little ageing on the rim. The bouquet is attractive with melted red berry fruit, black olive compote and light desiccated orange peel aromas, nicely defined and elegant in style. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, gentle grip, quite savory with Chinese 5-spice and white pepper sprinkled over the finish. It feels like some ripe Cabernet Franc here (even though it is 100% Merlot) and the aftertaste is commendably long. Very fine. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2009 Magrez-Fombrauge has a deep garnet core with little ageing on the rim. The bouquet is attractive with melted red berry fruit, black olive compote and light desiccated orange peel aromas, nicely defined and elegant in style. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, gentle grip, quite savory with Chinese 5-spice and white pepper sprinkled over the finish. It feels like some ripe Cabernet Franc here (even though it is 100% Merlot) and the aftertaste is commendably long. Very fine. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.

Wine Advocate (95)

Dense purple, with notes of blackberry, white chocolate, mulberry and toasty oak, this is a full-bodied, massive, rich, thick and unctuously textured wine with outstanding purity, richness and headiness. Of course, there’s always criticism that wines like this don’t age, but I own the 2000, and it is still an infant at 13 years of age, so I don’t think that’s an issue. This wine needs a good 5-6 years of cellaring and should keep for 20-25 years at the minimum.

Wine Advocate (95)

Dense purple, with notes of blackberry, white chocolate, mulberry and toasty oak, this is a full-bodied, massive, rich, thick and unctuously textured wine with outstanding purity, richness and headiness. Of course, there’s always criticism that wines like this don’t age, but I own the 2000, and it is still an infant at 13 years of age, so I don’t think that’s an issue. This wine needs a good 5-6 years of cellaring and should keep for 20-25 years at the minimum.

Wine Advocate (96)

A flowery nose of ripe plums, blueberries, truffles and roasted meats jumps from the glass of this inky/purple-colored 2011. Made from a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, it reveals super-richness, velvety tannin, a skyscraper-like mid-palate, and not a hard edge to be found. It is another remarkable effort in this challenging vintage. Its 14.5% natural alcohol is incredible given the growing conditions. This gorgeous boutique St.-Emilion, one of the stars of the vintage, will evolve effortlessly for 15-20 years. By the way, I recently had the 2000 Magrez-Fombrauge (which I believe is the first vintage), and at age 14 it was outstanding.

Wine Advocate (96)

A flowery nose of ripe plums, blueberries, truffles and roasted meats jumps from the glass of this inky/purple-colored 2011. Made from a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, it reveals super-richness, velvety tannin, a skyscraper-like mid-palate, and not a hard edge to be found. It is another remarkable effort in this challenging vintage. Its 14.5% natural alcohol is incredible given the growing conditions. This gorgeous boutique St.-Emilion, one of the stars of the vintage, will evolve effortlessly for 15-20 years. By the way, I recently had the 2000 Magrez-Fombrauge (which I believe is the first vintage), and at age 14 it was outstanding.