Chateau Fonplegade 2014

Critical Acclaim: 94 pts Decanter, 92 pts James Suckling, 91 pts Wine Spectator, 91 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

About the Winery:  Château Fonplégade's name (literally "fountain of plenty") was derived from the historic 13th century stone fountain that graces the estate's vineyard. It quenched the thirst of passing pilgrims for hundreds of years, and continues to provide sustenance to the estate's vines in the driest vintages.  In 1852, legendary wine merchant Jean-Pierre Beylot purchased the estate and built the elegant château that still stands on the property.  Enchanted by the terroir, history and grandeur of the estate, with its ancient Roman pathways and graceful vine rows, Denise and Stephen Adams acquired Château Fonplégade in 2004 and spent 17 years tirelessly revitalizing the vineyards, renovating the cellar and lovingly restoring the château. 

Tasting Notes: "Lashings of blackberry and liquorice, dark chocolate with a core of freshness. This was the point at which Fonplégade started to hit it out of the park. You would think it was a 2015 or a 2016 given its generosity and finesse. Brilliantly judged oak too, which is not always the case in St-Emilion. Organic and biodynamic.  Drinking window 2021-2034"- Decanter.

"Dark-berry and oyster-shell aromas follow through to a medium body, integrated tannins and a tangy finish. An almost burnt lemon undertone. Linear and polished. Very solid." -James Suckling.

"This has a succulent core of steeped plum and blackberry notes inlaid with ganache and licorice snap accents, all of which knit well through the finish, where a light chalk hint echoes, adding effective contrast. Offers a lingering mouthwatering feeling. This could be sneakily long in the cellar. "- Wine Spectator.

"The 2014 Fonplegade has an almost opaque bouquet that demanded continuous swirling of the glass before it reluctantly offered blackberry, raspberry and cedar wood aromas, just a touch of fireside hearth in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, the acidity finely tuned with a voluminous and vigorous finish of redcurrant jam, raspberry and black pepper. There is a lot going on in this Fonplegade and the persistence suggests that it will age over a decade or more. Drinking Window 2019-2030." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Varietal:  Blend of  Merlot and Cabernet Franc.