Who makes it
Château Fonbadet is a Pauillac château producing approximately 8,000 cases each year. Its red wine comes from two planting patterns. One vineyard sector is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, while the other combines Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot.
Château Fonbadet dates to the early 1800s. Pierre Peyronie was manager of Château Lafite Rothschild before taking over Château Fonbadet. The Peyronie family has owned the château for four generations.
Where it grows
Ten hectares lie to the north of the Pauillac appellation, surrounded by the vineyard of Château Mouton Rothschild. Another 1.5 hectares adjoin Château Latour. The holdings place Château Fonbadet among named vineyards within Pauillac.
The terroir has gravelly ridges to the north and clay and limestone to the south. The ground is made up of sandy, well drained Garonne gravel. Gravel sheds water quickly, while clay and limestone can retain more moisture, changing the water available to vines and the pace of ripening.
How it is made
The cellar
The wine remains on its skins for four to six weeks before entering barrel. It then ages with 50% new oak for 18 months. This barrel ageing gives the wines roundness and silkiness.
What they make
Château Fonbadet is the named red wine in the range. Current releases have extended ageing potential, with drinking windows of 20+ years in premium vintages.
The wines show black fruit, tobacco and spices, with spearmint, flowers and currants also present in the aromatic profile. Powerful, velvety tannins accompany the aromatic richness. Recent releases bring layers of ripe, juicy, sweet cassis with a soft, fresh and lively texture. With age, the wines gain harmony and keep good length.