2020 Chateau Fonplegade

Impenetrable midnight black colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Engulfing the olfactory senses are aromas of ripe blackcurrant, dark to black cherry and hints of liquorice followed by vanillin cedar, dusty earth, light tobacco and spice notes. Rich, concentrated and dense, the full bodied palate is swamped with succulent blackcurrant, liquorice and dark cherry fruits which are backed by a solid yet well integrated tannin structure that imparts a slightly chewy feel. Notions of earthy graphite, vanillin cedar and subtle spicy tobacco characters lie across the back half. Long, mouthfilling conclusion. Alluring and opulent this is a beautiful Saint Emilion.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews....
Deep purple-black colored, the 2020 Fonplegade offers up notes of chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries and blackberry preserves, followed by hints of smoked meats, cinnamon toast and potpourri. The medium to full-bodied palate bursts with juicy black fruits, supported by velvety tannins and well-balanced acidity, finishing long and fragrant.
93-95 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate (May 2021)

The 2020 Fonplégade is elegant, gracious and lifted, just as it was from barrel. Bright acids lend notable energy in this silky, nuanced Saint-Émilion. Crushed red berry fruit, cinnamon, mint and blood orange are all woven together in this very pretty, alluring Saint-Émilion. This is beautifully done. Drink: 2027-2040.
94 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Attractive aromas of ripe black and blue fruit with crushed violets, walnut and dark chocolate. Some dried leaves, too. Medium- to full-bodied with a plush and supple palate that offers an array of ripe, racy tannins and a crunchy, deep berry character. Structured and focused with a juicy finish. Drink after 2025.
94 points
James Suckling

Utterly classic notes of red and black cherries, chocolate, tobacco, and spicy wood emerge from the 2020 Château Fonplégade, a medium-bodied, pure, balanced, elegant Saint-Emilion that comes from a gorgeous terroir on the Côte Pavie. Based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that was raised in 50% new oak, it has building tannins, a layered, mouth-filling texture, and outstanding length. Give bottles 2-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 10-15. It's a complex, satisfying, impeccably made 2020. Drink: 2025-2040.
94 points
Jeb Dunnuck

Crushed rocks, currants, cherries, flowers, licorice, smoke, cocoa and espresso covers all the bases in the perfume. Elegant and edgy, silky, soft and mineral driven, the fruits show a beautiful purity, freshness and refinement on the palate, leaving you with salty tannins and sweet plums that continue to linger and expand in the finish. The wine is made from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider

Beautiful aromatics, vibrant, full of clarity and bright fruit delivery. Plum, blueberry, bursting with juicy life. Keeps delivering on the palate also, sprightly and vibrant, and soaked in limestone, wet stone personality. Has good depth of flavour, with a kick on the finish. Will age well, this is great stuff, a brilliant example of St-Emilion limestone. A buy! First year certified biodynamic with Biodyvin (certified organic since 2013). A yield of 35hl/ha. Drink: 2026-2044.
95 points
Jane Anson - Decanter