Chateau Fonplegade St Emilion Grand Cru Classé 2021
Country: France Region: Bordeaux (Saint-Emilion)
Varietal: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2021 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Château Fonplegade
Description:
Located on Saint-Emilion'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.
"At Château Fonplégade, we are proud to be one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture on Bordeaux's legendary Right Bank. We feel it is our privilege and responsibility to be devoted stewards of this precious land so that it may be preserved for generations to come". - Denise Adams- Proprietor
Tasting Note:
The 2021 Château Fonplégade (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé) is an elegant, biodynamically produced blend dominated by Merlot, featuring a fragrant bouquet of red cherries, raspberries, and flowers with savoury undertones. It offers a fresh, medium-bodied palate with fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, and a polished finish with notes of graphite and tobacco.
93-95/100 Points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate
"Deep purple-black coloured, 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."
93-94/100 Points
James Suckling
"A solid red with blackberry, blackcurrant and spice character. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a flavourful finish. Nice depth of fruit and focus."
95/100 Points
Jane Anson, Decanter
"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). "
