Cotes de Castillon:  Situated as the closest neighbor to St. Emilion on the right bank of the Dordogne , Côtes de Castillon produces excellent quality and value for money wines. The area is known as the place where the English lost control of Bordeaux . Through royal marriages, Aquitania became a very 'English' province. The conflict known as the 100 years' war played out in this area. The battle of Castillon, and the death of General Talbot, leader of the English troops, brought an end to the war and the domination of the English. (A friend of ours says that the English are now back – buying the lands lost in that war.) Today, the region is well known for its concentrated, fruity wines, typified by strong black currant notes. The Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot vineyards are located on the right bank of the river Dordogne, where the soil's high iron content contributes to the rich structure, flavor and longevity of the wines.  Very appealing.

Cepages: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon.

About the Producer:  Yannick Sabate is the third generation of his family to tend the vines on this property.  The median age of the vines is 35 years with the oldest counting more than 60 years.  The grapes are grown using bio-dynamic processes, including no use of pesticides.  After machine harvest, the grapes are culled on sorting tables, then vinified in temperature controlled stainless steel vats.  A portion of the grapes (40%) are aged for one year in barrels with the remainder aging in cement cuves.

Tasting Notes:  Impressive even as a cask sample, the 2009 Château Fontbaude has developed greater complexity in the past year. It has a lovely bouquet with the pure, opulent ripe cherry and black currant fruits of the '09 harvest enhanced by hints of cedar, herbs, earth and spice. Extraordinarily supple and smooth on the palate, it has soft, rounded cherry and black currant fruit flavors with the elegant, cedary, herbal, and earthy elements that make fine red Bordeaux such a joy to drink.  Now, after nearly five years of cask and bottle age, it is reaching its best drinking.  Extraordinarily supple and smooth on the palate and the herbal and earthy elements that make fine red Bordeaux such a joy to drink.  Full-bodied, opulent, long, and persistent.

Recommended Food Pairings: Now, after nearly three years of cask and bottle age, it is beginning to reach its best drinking. It's delicious right now with red meats, mild cheeses, stews and a variety of richer pasta dishes. Remarkably fresh, the 2009 clearly has the balance and structure to age and improve for another 3-6 years in the cellar.

Awards:  Selected by Guide Hachette and Revue des Vins de France