Merlot, Cabernet Franc
150cl * 15.0% ABV * Organic & Biodynamic * Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France
A near neighbour to the more famous Angélus, this small estate (18.5 hectares) in Saint Emilion is on the classic clay and limestone soil of the region. Château Fonplégade's name (literally "fountain of plenty") was derived from the historic 13th century stone fountain that graces the estate's vineyard which quenched the thirst of passing pilgrims for hundreds of years.
Vines have thrived at this exceptional site, perched on the limestone plateau that is home to Saint-Emilion's finest vineyards, since the late 1500s. In 1852, legendary wine merchant Jean-Pierre Beylot purchased the estate and built the elegant château that still stands on the property.
Today, the estate is owned by American couple Denise and Stephen Adams. Many years ago they honeymooned in Saint-Emilion and after returning years later to Saint-Emilion to repeat their wedding vows, they discovered Château Fonplégade. When the Adams's acquired the estate in 2004, they completely renovated the winery, replanted many of the vineyards and begun farming organically to bring it up to the quality that it is today. In addition to Château Fonplégade in Saint-Emilion and Château l'Enclos in Pomerol, they are the owners and caretakers of ADAMVS on the slopes of Napa Valley's Howell Mountain.
Fleur de Fonplegade is the second wine of Chateau Fonplegade, made from a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. A superb vintage for St Emilion, 2010 was dry and warm and scored a whopping 98/100 from Wine Spectator. For reference, you had to wait until 2022 to get another vintage rated as high, and prior to that no St Emilion vintage had scored 98.
A bouquet of fresh red fruits and a full, round mouthfeel of generous plum and redcurrant fruit with velvety tannins, elegant acidity and remarkable minerality. Absolutely at its peak now.
Drinking window: Now - 2029