Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Fombrauge - 1998

Viniou Reviews

Château Fombrauge 1998 is a distinguished red from the esteemed Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, situated on the right bank of Bordeaux. Crafted primarily from Merlot, with smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon, this vintage already displays the benefits of age, offering a bouquet of dried black fruits, truffle, leather, and subtle hints of tobacco and cedar. The 1998 vintage in Bordeaux saw favourable weather, resulting in richly structured wines with ripe tannins and notable ageing potential. In the glass, Château Fombrauge Grand Cru expresses deep garnet hues and a complex, evolved palate marked by supple texture and lingering, savoury finish.

Saint-Émilion’s historic vineyards are renowned for their diverse soils, from limestone plateaus to clay-limestone slopes and sandy plains. This variation provides distinctive character and structure to the region's wines. The area experiences a temperate maritime climate, buffered by the Dordogne river, encouraging slow ripening—ideal for the Merlot-dominated blends. The history of Saint-Émilion is deeply intertwined with monastic traditions and centuries of winemaking, which have ensured a high level of craftsmanship and prestige, particularly for properties classified as Grand Cru such as Château Fombrauge.

When pairing food with this mature Saint-Émilion, opt for dishes that highlight the wine's finesse without overwhelming its subtleties. A classic match would be roast duck or a tender beef filet with wild mushroom sauce, as the earthy components will echo the wine’s secondary aromas. For regional authenticity, consider rack of lamb à la bordelaise or confit de canard, both making fine use of the wine’s soft tannins and complexity. Aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Ossau-Iraty also provide a harmonious tasting experience.

Serve Château Fombrauge 1998 at a temperature of 17-18°C, ideally after decanting for around an hour to allow the bouquet to open fully. Use large, rounded glasses to appreciate its aromatic development and nuanced flavours, and savour this Bordeaux as it expresses the harmony that comes with carefully matured Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.