Chateau Fonplegade 2018

Château Fonplegade, Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe, Bordeaux, France, 2018

Grapes: 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, 19ha vineyard with 27 separate parcels on limestone/clay soils, yield 20hl/ha, 25 year average vine age, hand harvested, native yeast fermentation, matured in French oak barrels for 16-20 months (50% new, 30% one year, 10% concrete eggs, 10% amphoras)

Chateau Tasting Note:

Under the same ownership as Pomerol's Château L'Enclos. With an impeccable balance between fruit, complexity and aromatic length, this wine is characterized by a sophisticated minerality, consistent from year to year, with soft and supple tannins and a velvety texture. It is made from the estate's oldest vines, meticulously hand-farmed using organic and biodynamic practices to bring out the finest quality in each cluster. Predominantly Merlot, the blend includes just enough Cabernet Franc to imbue the wine with an elegant tannic structure. Today, oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt is a consultant for the estate.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"This is really refined and beautiful, showing a new approach and reality to the terroir here. I appreciate the strength with finesse. Biodynamic."

(93-94/100) points, James Suckling, JAMESSUCKLING.COM

"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Fonplegade needs no convincing, charging out of the gate with bold notions of black cherry preserves, mulberries and ripe, juicy black plums, leading to suggestions of Indian spices, dried roses and smoked meats plus a touch of tar. The medium to full-bodied palate is beautifully crafted, dripping with poise and sophistication, draped in plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a lingering black cherry note. A very polished showing!"

95/100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, WINE ADVOCATE, March 2021