2015 Chateau Fonplegade

A blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc with maturation taking place in a combination 60% new French oak barrels, 25% one year old French oak barrels and 15% cement eggs.

Impenetrable inky black core with a deep dark red black hue. Pronounced ripe blackcurrant aromas infused with black olives are followed by cigar box, inky earth, dried herb and spice notes. Rich, dense and sturdy in structure the palate is flooded with ripe blackcurrant and liquorice fruit which is supported by a firm tannin framework. Earthy vanillin cedar, black olive, inky leather and spicy tobacco characters form the underbelly. Excellent depth and length with a long tightly knit aftertaste. Requires some patience to fully unfurl and integrate.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
A gorgeous and layered red showcasing blackberry, blueberry and mineral aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied and polished with impressive tannins. Shows the flamboyance of the estate. Give it time to come around. From organic grapes. Drink in 2022.
95 points
JamesSuckling.com

Even better from bottle than it was from barrel, the 2015 Fonplégade is absolutely gorgeous. Rich and sumptuous, but superbly refined, the 2015 exudes class. The dark cherry, plum, espresso, rose petal and blood orange notes open up effortlessly. Time in the glass brings out the wine's underlying brightness, tension and energy. Everything about the 2015 speaks to balance. This is a superb showing from proprietors Stephen and Denise Adams and their team, which includes both Stéphane Derenoncourt and Michel Rolland. Drink 2023-2035.
94 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Almost all Merlot (there's 5% Cabernet Franc) from a terrific site situated between Angelus and Pavie (this is prime Saint-Emilion terroir!), the 2015 Château Fonplegade is a rich, opulent beauty that comes across as amazingly elegant and weightless for a wine of this size. Cassis, toasted spices, dried earth, and lots of floral nuances all emerge from this full-bodied Saint-Emilion that has notable purity and freshness, ripe tannin, and a great finish. It's blockbuster stuff that needs to be snatched up by readers. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 15-20 years. Drink 2020-2040.
94 points
JebDunnuck.com