TERROIRS AND VINIFICATION
Born from the exceptional 2015 vintage, here is the sixth vintage of Bordeaux Fronsac elaborated, aged and bottled in Bordeaux by the trader-breeder François Chartier, with the complicity of the Bordeaux oenologist Pascal Chatonnet. Already the 2014 of this Bordeaux Fronsac Chartier was considered by some as one of the best Bordeaux sold to the SAQ under the bar of twenty dollars, with this 2015 of very high level, this vintage becomes an exceptional value for money.
The origin of the parcels of vines we have selected, vintages that we managed to assemble, as was the case since the 2014 vintage (and as is the case for the equally exceptional 2016 vintage that will follow this 2015), is found in the coast of the protected designation of origin Fronsac, located just west of Pomerol and Saint-Emilion. This year (2015) is characterized, as it was the case for the first time with the 2014, by a higher proportion of very old Cabernet Franc vines over 75 years old, which support with elegance and brilliance, enveloping it and textured merlot. The origin of the parcels of vines that we have selected, as well as the astonishing maturity, is also in the sector of the coasts from which some great Saint-Emilion wines come from, on limestones with asterias. Each variety is vinified separately and then assembled. The stay in barrels (in barrels of one and two years) was 14 months for this 2015, with a small percentage of new barrels, as this vintage had the structure to digest the new wood with elegance, while leaving room for more expression of terroirs, signature of Bordeaux FRONSAC CHARTIER since the very first vintage 2010.
COMMENTS
This Bordeaux Fronsac, more than ever a high aromatic definition for its rank, shows a pulpy fruity that has the brilliance as ever, more walled and nourished, given the generous sunshine of the exceptional vintage that was 2015. The palate is voluptuous, full, dense and enveloping, almost New World style, for a Bordeaux wine, while maintaining a tight tannin grain bordelaise, more particularly like the wines of Fronsac. Black fruits, plum, coffee, mushrooms and sweet spices contribute to the aromatic profile. Certainly the greatest vintage of Bordeaux FRONSAC Chartier developed to date. Hard to find better red burgundy at this soft price.
REVIEWS
Alain Lebel, Bacchus Magazine – 90 points and “coup de coeur” – (Fronsac Chartier 2012) “A brilliant and original success! After having evaluated more than 50 Bordeaux wines under the $20 mark, this is the one that ranks first! A new look that is a pleasure to see and a wine that offers an exceptional price-to-pleasure ratio! »
Bill Zacharkiw, The Montreal Gazette & website ChacunSonVin.Com – 89 points -(Fronsac Chartier 2012) ” $18-$23 Mid-priced marvel: Richly textured. Black plums, spice on the nose. Fills out nicely in the mid-palate only to be tightened up on the finish. Oak is nicely integrated, tannins are ripe and round but hold the wine together nicely. At under $20, one of the top Bordeaux at the SAQ. »
Nadia Fournier, website ChacunSonVin.Com – 89 points – (Fronsac Chartier 2012) ” Quite typical of its appellation. Generous, with the roundness typical of Merlot; fruit and concentration worthy of note in the context of the vintage. A small proportion of Cabernets (equal parts Franc and Sauvignon) brings a tannic structure and an austere edge to the finish, adding to its dimension. »
Marc Chapleau, website ChacunSonVin.Com – 88 points – (Fronsac Chartier 2012) ” Solid fronsac, surprisingly full-bodied for the vintage, density, a certain evolution, a pleasantly tannic character. The Fronsac Chartier 2012 made me want to embrace our national François, that’s to say! Good Bordeaux. »
Les Fidèles de Bacchus, Alain Lebel (October 2013) : Les Fidèles de Bacchus offers its favorite of the week at the Fronsac “Merlot” 2010 Chartier Creator of Harmonies.