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The Vin De Bordeaux B by Fonbadet Bordeaux 2019 sells for $7.99 at Trader Joe’s though it is widely available elsewhere, we will get to that later. It is a blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Merlot.
It is sourced from a Chateau Fonbadet vineyard that was surrounded by First Growth Mouton Rothschild vineyards (according to the Fearless Flyer, the Fonbadet website is not so specific). While being located next to the vineyard is not the same as actually being a First Growth vineyard. While not the same thing, it is never a bad thing.
The Vin de Bordeaux B by Fonbadet 2019 is a wine that sells on the internet from $25 to $30 and $7.99 at Trader Joe’s. Why the significant price difference? My theory and it is only speculation is that this wine was stuck on a boat waiting to be delivered for so long that the new vintage is coming so and the 2019 vintage has to be sold. That is only a guess, but strange things have been happening to wine in the last couple of years.
The Vin de Bordeaux B by Fonbadet 2019 was, according to their website, was mechanically harvested and traditionally fermented. Mechanically harvested means a machine picked the grapes, it is cheaper than paying workers to harvest the grapes. This wine was aged in french oak for 6 months.
The Vin de Bordeaux B by Fonbadet 2019 is a drink-it-now wine, Fonbadet suggests cellaring for no more than 4 years, but a high-end drink-it-now wine. Chateau Fonbadet makes high-end Bordeaux wines and this is their entry-level offering. This vintage received 97 points from Decanter magazine. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The Vin de Bordeaux B by Fonbadet 2019 Tasting Notes
The color is still see-thru black cherry red. The nose is complex, blackberry, raspberry, spice, milk chocolate, minerality, ripe cherry, a whiff of smoke, and roses. The Vin de Bordeaux B by Fonbadet 2019 is smooth on the palate with lively subtle flavors.
This Bordeaux Blend tastes like blackberry, blueberry, dusty chocolate powder, black pepper, a splash of spice, and plum. The mid-palate shows cherry, a different flavor of soft spice, a light brush of tannins, and raspberry. The acidity is well controlled.
The Summary
- The Vin de Bordeaux B by Fonbadet 2019 is an excellent Bordeaux wine.
- If Trader Joe’s wants to sell you a $25 wine for $7.99, let them!
