Chateau Fonplegade St Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2022
Country: France Region: Bordeaux (Saint-Emilion)
Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2019 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Château Fonplegade
Description:
Located on Saint-Émilion's prized limestone plateau, Château Fonpléade has been owned by Stephen Adams, an American investor and his wife, since 2004 (he also owns property in California's Dry Creek Valley, as well as Château L'Enclos in Pomerol). It has been previously owned by the négociant Armand Moueix. When Stephen took over, he replanted the vineyards, increasing their density to 8,000 vines per hectare, he also renovated the cellar, replacing cement vats for wood. To top it all off, he hired Bordeaux's most famous oenologist, Michel Rolland, to oversee the winemaking. From their 18 hectares, they produce two wines from a majority of Merlot - Château Fonplégade and Fleur de Fonplégade, its second wine.
Tasting Note:
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.
Rich, high toned and open on the nose with savoury, herbal and spiced notes.Crunchy, chewy, bright sharp and sour fruit as well as high acidity,all combining to be forward and open with a cool fresh mint and crushed stone undertone. Balanced,this feels suave and detailed, not massively weighty, still has the tension and focus but everything is supremely harmonious on the palate with no one element sticking out. You can feel the density and the concentration of the fruit - blackcurrant, damson, plum, and a sense of the intensity while still having terroir markers of flint, graphite and salinity.Charming and approachable- one to seek out.
'Ripe black and blue fruit here with savory undertones. Medium to full body. Tannins are firm but crunchy and lively. Structured and long. Vibrant finish with floral undertones. Classy. From biodynamically grown grapes'
James Suckling
'Jane Anson 95 – "Limestone fingerprint gives balance and a pummice stone slate chraacter to the tannic grip. This is intense, with delicious edges of fennel and saffron, plenty of lift and juice, enjoyable and not overblown, stays firmly on the right side. Raspberry and blackberry fruits abound. A delicious wine; one to look out for. 50% new oak.'
Jane Anson
