Château Petit Fombrauge St Emilion Grand Cru 2018
Pierre Lavau could easily be mistaken for an Irishman with his bushy head of red hair — however his family is steeped in Saint-Émilion tradition. His grandfather Gabriel worked as a cooper in Saint-Émilion, visiting many of the great vineyards to repair their barrels. Over time the small family estate grew, and in 1996 Pierre purchased a further parcel of land in Saint-Émilion, adding to the family’s holdings in one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated appellations.
About This Wine
Years of experience have led Pierre to a deep understanding of the importance of the soil as a whole. He has naturally evolved towards lutte raisonnée — sowing cereals such as oats between the vine rows and tilling them back into the soil to provide natural nutrients, with no herbicides used on his properties. The estate is currently in organic conversion and HVE Certified. This approach produces wines that differ from vintage to vintage but always respect their true place of origin. The 2018 is a benchmark vintage for Saint-Émilion — rich, structured, and built for the long haul.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Very deep ruby red with intense garnet hues.
Nose: Intense and complex — coffee, dark fruits, and a rich, brooding depth that speaks clearly of the 2018 vintage’s exceptional ripeness.
Palate: Full, smooth, and round with cherry and blackcurrant flavours beautifully framed by soft, well-integrated tannins. Generous and expressive with excellent balance.
Finish: Great length with a persistent, dark fruit-driven close.
Food Pairing
A Saint-Émilion Grand Cru of this depth deserves a worthy table — roast lamb, grilled red meats, or aged hard cheeses. Also excellent with slow-braised beef, duck confit, or a rich mushroom-based dish. Decant for an hour before serving to allow the wine to fully open.
Details
Grape: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Region: Saint-Émilion, France
Farming: HVE Certified
Style: Medium Bodied Red
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Alcohol: 14%
Bottle: 75cl
Drink: In the next 10 years
