Description
Domaine de Fondrèche is owned by Sébastien Vincenti who produces organic wines in Ventoux. Fondrèche is one of the best run if not the finest estate in the Ventoux. Shrewd consumers have been stocking up on these wines for a number of years as they represent terrific values. They all exhibit beautifully pure fruit infused with plenty of Provencal character. According to Robert Parker “This is the superstar estate of the Côtes du Ventoux”. Sebastien is currently working towards being totally biodynamic. His vineyard of 37 hectares is located on a plateau where the soil, has very good water retention capacities and so gives water to the plant only when it is necessary. Sebastien works organically and is currently in the process of converting the Domaine to being totally biodynamic. Even the sheep manure he uses as fertiliser comes from organically reared sheep. Both in the vineyard and in the cellar everything is carried out according to the lunar calendar.
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate (February, 2008) “Fondreche is the reference point for what can be done in the Côtes du Ventoux. This is a source of sensational wines that still sell for incredibly fair prices, and virtually every one of these selections proves that you don’t have to drink luxury-priced Bordeaux, Burgundy or Napa Cabernets to experience the multiple joys of wine.”
Dark purple colour. A nose of ripe raspberries, blueberries, spring flowers, and violet followed by slightly toasted notes. The mouth feel is opulent without being heavy, full-bodied without going over the top, with tannins that are present but smooth. A pure and elegant wine with exceptional persistence.
96 points Wine Enthusiast
“Sourced from a single parcel of Syrah planted in 1955, this benchmark Ventoux red calibrates the penetration and angularity of Syrah with the intensity of Southern Rhône sun and a salty, stony minerality. A powerful wine, it’s also dazzling and fresh, with chalky, finely edged tannins and a piercing, crystalline finish. Delicious young, the wine should mature well through 2030 and hold further still. *Editor’s Choice* (ALI)” (10/2021)
93 points Decanter
“Plenty of intensity and forward motion, with good acidity and bite. There is a subtle smoky char on the nose which combines with the reductive spicy element and understated clove-like oak to make for a complex flavour profile. It’s fleet of foot, not heavy or thick, with concentrated black fruit. Finishing with upright tannins and bright acidity, it’s fresh and lively. From Syrah planted in 1955, which is very early for this part of the Rhône, at the foot of Mont Ventoux. (MW)” (11/2020)
93 points Jeb Dunnuck
“I loved the 2018 Ventoux Divergente from barrel in 2019 and it’s showing well today, with a meaty, exotic, almost Côte Rôtie-like vibe in its wild black raspberry and blueberry fruits as well as flowers, ground pepper, and chalky minerality. These all carry over to the palate, where the wine is medium to full-bodied and has wonderful purity, plenty of ripe, grippy tannins, and outstanding length. Give bottles another year and it should have a solid decade or more of prime drinking. This cuvée is mostly Syrah from a single parcel of very old vines planted on limestone soils.” (1/2022)
92 points James Suckling
“Blackberry, blueberry, cedar, thyme and spice on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins. Full and rich in the mouth with salty, savory character. Juicy and structured with a wild finish.” (6/2021)
92 points Wine Spectator
“Lovely steeped plum and blackberry fruit is inlaid with mesquite, dried anise and black tea. The long finish has a subtle mineral twinge and an echo of garrigue. (JM) ” (5/2021)
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