A true “Wow!” wine from the American Adam’s family, who acquired this estate a little over a decade ago, the 2010 Château Fonplegade is the normal blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc brought up in plenty of new barrels. Cassis, smoked earth, graphite, lots of damp earth and smoke all emerge from the full-bodied, concentrated, unctuous 2010 that has serious depth and richness, bright acidity, and building tannin. It's still an infant at this point but just packed with potential. Bravo!

Continuing to flesh out, the wine is rich, concentrated and fresh, with depth of flavor, silky, dark plums and licorice galore. A few more years will make this even better!94 Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2010&wine=Chateau%20Fonplegade

94+ Concentrated black fruits intermixed with spring flowers, some high class, subtle toasty oak, graphite and a touch of blackberry and cassis all jump from the glass of this dense, full-bodied, formidably endowed, massive wine. It needs a good 5-7 years of cellaring. This could turn out to be one of the longest-lived wines ever made at Fonplegade, lasting 25-30 or more years. - Robert Parker

Brooding, the alcohol feels more evident than on the 2009, although they are both the level, but it is well balanced by plush damson fruit, olive paste, cocoa bean, espresso and smoked earth. Good quality if a little overworked.

A touch tight and even reduced at first, it takes a moment to clear to reveal dense layers of black fruits, graphite and bristling tannins. Concentrated and intense, clearly a reflection of the impressive structural clout of this particular vintage, not huge amounts of charm even at 10 years old - needs longer, wait at least another two years. 85% new oak.

Solid, with cassis and Linzer torte notes that have ample depth in reserve. Shows more of a graphite element than chalk, presenting a slightly chewy edge through the finish. Deeper and longer than any of the previous vintages, save for maybe the 2009. -- Non-blind Fonplégade vertical (December 2016). Best from 2020 through 2030. - JM