(94-96) Deep in color, the showy nose with its easily findable flowers, rocks, licorice, smoke, black raspberries and black cherries asserts its presence. But the real show takes place when all that perfectly ripe, velvet textured, silky, mineral driven fruit hits your palate. The volume, intensity, sweetness, lift and oceanic influences vibrate in the finish. After 14 years of a spare no expense attitude from Denise and Stephen Adams to make the best wine possible, clearly they have upped their game with the 2018 Fonplegade. The wine was made from a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and reached 14% alcohol. The harvest took place September 13 to September 29. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2018&wine=Chateau%20Fonplegade

An estate that has demonstrated how much impact biodynamic farming can have, officially certified in 2020 but in full conversion in 2018 (after organic certification 5 years earlier). The tannins are pretty hefty, but they have juice running between them, powering the brambled black and blue fruits forward through the palate. Freshly cut herbs and crushed mint leaf accompany the finish. 50% new oak, 30% one year barrels, 10% cement eggs, 10% amphora.

Based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, coming from a gorgeous terroir on the Côte Pavie, the 2018 Château Fonplégade reveals a dense purple/ruby color as well as a charming, ripe, sexy style in its red and blue fruits, flowers, toasted spice, and loamy soil aromas and flavors. It shows more floral nuances with time in the glass, has a distinct earthy minerality, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. It takes lots of air to show at its best, and it will ideally be given 4-5 years of bottle age to integrate its oak, but unquestionably, everything is the right place, and this is a beautiful Saint-Emilion.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Fonplegade needs no convincing, charging out of the gate with bold notions of black cherry preserves, mulberries and ripe, juicy black plums, leading to suggestions of Indian spices, dried roses and smoked meats plus a touch of tar. The medium to full-bodied palate is beautifully crafted, dripping with poise and sophistication, draped in plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a lingering black cherry note. A very polished showing! - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Denise and Stephen Adams here succeeded with biodynamically grown fruit, even in 2018. It's definitely concentrated, with the emphasis on black fruits, liquorice, olive paste and dark chocolate. But pull up a chair and sit with it for a while and you start to notice more subtle nuances of flowers and herbs. The juicy, gourmet patisserie side begins to punch out of the glass after five minutes, and once again I'm left admiring what they are doing at this property. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/bordeaux/chateau-fonplegade-st-emilion-grand-cru-classe-2018-29361#bvIWxDSExYvocsUu.99

This is nicely packed with plum, black cherry and boysenberry compote flavors that have good energy and are backed by a mix of savory, violet, anise and applewood notes through the finish. Buried chalky spine should help this age nicely in the cellar too. Drink now through 2030. – JM