2020 Chateau Fonplegade Saint Emilion Grand Cru

The left bank of Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion in particular, is known for its rich, fertile soil, making it an ideal location for great vineyards. In the case of Chateau Fonplegade, the winery stands out for its deep-rooted connection to the fertile land, while staying committed to embracing modern innovation.The result is a wine of unmatched quality.

Saint-Emilion is no stranger to mind-blowing wine, mainly because of its rich and fertile limestone and clay soils. One of the wineries taking full advantage is Chateau Fonplegade, led by dedicated owners Denise and Stephen Adams. Their dedication lies in ensuring each of their bottles embodies the essence of the terroir. In their own words, "At Fonplégade, we farm our vineyard not block by block, not even row by row, but carefully, vine by vine."  Denise Adams.

The winery is located atop the limestone plateau, where the best of these vineyards have flourished since the late 1500s. In 1852, Jean-Pierre Beylot, a renowned wine merchant,  recognized its potential and turned the winery into what it is today. Fast forward to 2004, when Denise and Stephen Adams were captivated by the terroir, rich history, and beauty of the grounds.Over the next 17 years, they embarked on a tough, but rewarding journey of revitalization, renovation, and restoration, ensuring every step is completed with passion and dedication.

Today, the winery is able to farm with a biodynamic certification, where a holistic approachis taken to every element of their farming. While the accommodating terroir plays an important role in the excellent wines, the biodynamic farming definitely contributes too.

The 2020 Chateau Fonplegade Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is particularly special sincethe wine is hand-farmed, using only organic and biodynamic grapes.As a result, the wines are elegant and sophisticated, yet carry a powerful tannin structure. 

2020 was an outstanding year for Bordeaux. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 98-point review and said,"Two thousand-twenty is an exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, certainly the best in the 2018-2020 trilogy. Quality is exceptionally high among the great wines of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol." 

Aging: The wine has a unique aging technique with 16-20 months in French oak barrels, while 10% is spent in egg-shaped concrete vessels and 10% in amphoras.

A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.This wine offers attractive aromas of ripe black fruit with subtle hints of violets, walnuts and dark chocolate.In addition, expect a good balance of complexity, length and a velvety texture. This wine pairs particularly well with different dishes that focus on beef or venison.

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! ~95 Decanter

Utterly classic notes of red and black cherries, chocolate, tobacco, and spicy wood emerge from the 2020 Chateau Fonplegade, a medium-bodied, pure, balanced, elegant Saint-Emilion that comes from a gorgeous terroir on the Cote 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. ~94 Jeb Dunnuck

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.~ 94 James Suckling.

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. ~94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

This dense wine has some serious tannins as well as layers of black fruits.Its acidity and freshness are impeccable, giving finesse and a balance with the structure. ~93 Wine Enthusiast. 

Another successful vintage for this estate, the 2020 Fonplégade delivers aromas of cherries, plums, licorice and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and refined palate that concludes with a saline, attractively floral finish.It's one 2020 that is more elegant than its 2019 counterpart. ~92 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

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