Merlot, Cabernet Franc
75cl * 14.5% 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.
Grapevines 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.
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.
A great match for roasted vegetables, cold meats, poultry and game, hard and soft cheeses, and dessert. Château Fonplégade is aged 16-20 months in 50% new French oak barrels, 30% in 1-year-old French oak barrels, 10% in egg-shaped concrete vessels and 10% in amphoras.
Drinking window: 2025-2045
"Deep purple-black colored, 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." 93-95 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate