2005 Château Arnauton

Château Arnauton is in the Fronsac appellation of Bordeaux. The 62-acre property produces Merlot, and the wine is generally 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Robert M. Parker Jr. has noted that “Fronsac, of course, is a treasure trove for excellent wines at realistic prices…” The estate is owned by Wine Estate Capital Management, a wine investment firm, and a group of Dutch shareholders.

Fronsac is a small appellation northwest of Saint-Émilion. Fronsac produces only red wines and has about 2,000 vineyard acres. Canon-Fronsac is a smaller appellation within Fronsac. Merlot is the primary grape in Fronsac, followed by Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon. Fronsac wines are generally full-bodied and plummy. In the 18th and 19th centuries Fronsac wines had the same prestige as the wines of St.-Émilion, though by the mid-20th century Fronsac wines were less renowned. Today, however, young and innovative older winemakers are reviving traditional estates. Some have gone the garagiste route by making non-historic blends.