Progressive Bordeaux: 20 Fronsac wines worth seeking out

Jean-Noel Herve's meticulously run 16-hectare estate has long been of the leaders of the appellation. There are ample black fruits on the nose, which is...

This is probably the best wine ever produced at La Dauphine, loaded with brambly fruits and softly-spun minerality, taking it into the top tier of...

Helene Ponty manages this 5.5-hectare family estate, which dates back to the 18th century. The nose displays rich plum and black cherry fruit, but with...

This is a little bit overpowering with tannins that are firm and sneaky, but there’s no question that it’s enjoyable with a good depth and...

Tessendey is owned by the Arfeuille family, who also own the fine St-Emilion property of La Serre. The wine shows a welcome light touch, with...

Three cuvées are produced by this 18-hectare property and this one is aged in one-third new barriques. There's abundant black cherry fruit on the nose,...

Stephane Derenoncourt is the consultant at this small 4.5-hectare estate, which was certified organic in 2020. This is a forward style, with ripe, juicy, black...

Like Grand Renouil, this is owned by the Ponty family. It's a small but beautifully located hillside property. The nose displays super-ripe cherry fruit that's...

An exquisite Renaissance manor house is at the heart of this 18-hectare estate, which is farmed organically but not certified. This is the prestige...

The nose is spicy and vibrant on the nose, while the palate is suave and luxurious, with concentrated and opulent fruit. Quite long.

This medium-sized property is now beginning its conversion to organic farming, which is becoming increasingly common in Fronsac. There are very ripe and oaky blackberry...

In 2018 Belgian Enzo Ide became the latest owner of this small estate, where Stephane Derenoncourt acts as consultant. Black cherry fruit dominates the nose,...

Despite the imposing name this is the sole wine of this 3-hectare estate. The grapes are picked by machine. There's very ripe cherry fruit on...

Although La Valade produce a luxury cuvée aged in new oak, there is much to enjoy in this more basic version. There are lush black...

Once the property of the celebrated cardinal, Richelieu is now owned by a Hong Kong corporation that has invested substantially.The nose is reticent, with black...

This is good quality, it'll take its time to come around and not as seductive as some in the vintage, but this is a lovely...

Barrabaque produce four wines from the region and this is their mid-range offering, which is aged in one-third new oak. The nose is a boutique...

This is highly perfumed, the autumnal fruits clearly well ripened and given room to move even though the tannins are full. It's tight right now,...

This is a new one-woman start-up in the top village of Saillans by Englishwoman Sally Evans. The wine is partly barrel-fermented. The nose is sweet,...