12-Year-Old Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from the Family Behind Château Ausone

The 2013 Château de Fonbel Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is a wine with genuine pedigree — a Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend from the Vauthier family, the same family behind Château Ausone, one of Saint-Émilion’s most prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé A estates.

Now 12 years old, this wine has evolved into a savoury, complex and beautifully mature expression of Saint-Émilion, showing the elegance that comes with time in bottle.

My Wine Man on Château de Fonbel
The Vauthier family has deep roots in Saint-Émilion, with Château Ausone representing the pinnacle of their winemaking legacy. Château de Fonbel is their second estate, producing wines with the same philosophy — precision, balance and respect for terroir — but in a more accessible, early-drinking style.

At HK$279 with 12 years of age, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy properly matured Bordeaux with serious family provenance.

Tasting Notes
Red cherry, plum and dried raspberry lead the profile, followed by earthy spice, cedar, and subtle herbal notes. The palate is medium-bodied with softened tannins and a smooth, integrated texture. Age has brought savoury complexity, elegance and balance, finishing long and refined.

Food Pairing
A mature Bordeaux of this style calls for classic, well-balanced dishes. We love it with Free Range Chicken Tenderloin from My Meat Man — roasted or pan-seared — where the wine’s softened tannins, earthy complexity and red fruit depth enhance the richness of the meat.

It also works beautifully with roast duck, lamb rack or mushroom-based dishes, where the savoury, aged character of the wine complements the umami and depth of the food.

Why This Is a Smart Buy
At HK$279, this delivers 12-year-old Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from the Vauthier family — the same family behind Château Ausone. Mature, elegant and drinking at its peak, it offers serious Bordeaux pedigree at a highly accessible price.

Looking for a Different Style?

• 2021 Château Laroque Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé → younger / structured / long ageing potential
• 2017 Château Quinault L'Enclos Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé → more polished / modern expression
• 2014 Château Puy Blanquet Saint-Émilion Grand Cru → similar maturity / softer style

Life’s too short for bad wine.