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 SIX Gold medals and a highly respectable 90 Point rating by Wine Enthusiast, all for under $20, well that is one hell of a bargain buy!

This is a 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon blend, aged ten months in oak (French, of course!) 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 (International Wine & Spirits Awards 2021)
Gold medal (Gilbert & Gaillard Int’l Wine Challenge 2021)
Gold medal (Chalenge Bourg Competition 2021)
Gold medal (Femmes et Vins France Competition 2021)
Gold medal (70 Million de Degustateurs 2021)
Gold medal (Feminalise Competition 2021)
90/100 / Excellent (Wine Enthusiast)

The guys at Wine Enthusiast had this to say – “Ripe and full, the Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon wine is deliciously rich. Its black fruits and accompanying tannins are full of possibilities.”

Meanwhile back here in NZ Master of Wine Bob Campbell scored it 91/100 and it made his selection of “Top Reds” for August 2024. Bob said “Rich, red and (slightly) rustic. A bold and satisfying wine made from ripe grapes with dark berry, chocolate/mocha and dried herb flavours. Good value at this price ($25).”

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.