The 2021 Fonplegade is a Bordeaux Blend from the Saint-Emilion sub-region in Bordeaux, France. Produced by Fonplegade, this red wine is composed predominantly of Merlot (85%) with a smaller percentage of Cabernet Franc (15%). It is a medium-bodied wine with an alcohol content of 14.0%.
Jane Anson from janeanson.com awarded the 2021 Fonplegade a score of 93, describing it as having a "ripe plum in colour" with "skilful winemaking" that balances fresh, cool-vintage fruit character with a mineral grip. Anson noted that the wine climbs through the palate with flavors of "lemongrass, slate, orange zest," and finishes with "fine tannins and a juicy signoff," making it an enjoyable recommendation.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also rated the wine 93 points, highlighting its aromatic profile of "incense, espresso, spice, herbs and red fruits." On the palate, Leve found it "supple, creamy, round and fresh" with layers of "ripe plums and dark red cherries" and a touch of "sea salt and chocolate mint" at the finish. Leve mentioned that this wine is "quite strong for the vintage" and suggested it can be enjoyed from 2024 to 2038.
Jeb Dunnuck, from jebdunnuck.com, rated the wine at 92 points, appreciating its "cassis, spring flowers, ripe strawberries, and hints of tobacco." He praised its "medium-bodied, supple, layered" structure and noted the wine's "present yet perfectly ripe tannins" and "outstanding length." Dunnuck emphasized the wine's impressive mid-palate.
James Suckling's review, penned by Zekun Shuai, gave the wine a 92-point score. Shuai noted aromas of "smoked herbs, spices, and a hint of lanolin cream" combined with "red berries and plums." The palate was described as "generous but juicy" with "silky tannins" and a "pretty long and flattering finish." Shuai suggested that the wine would come together better with a few more years of aging.
Antonio Galloni from Vinous rated the wine 93+ points, describing it as a "very pretty, delicate Saint-Émilion." Galloni noted its "silky, aromatic, and medium body," with flavors that included "spice, menthol, tobacco, mocha, and dried herbs." He mentioned that the wine had a slightly "clenched" feel during the tasting.
Decanter's review, giving the wine a 91-point score, described it as "perfumed and scented on the nose" with "cocoa powder." The palate featured "dark and savory" flavors, including "blackcurrant, plum, and damson" with "liquorice spicing" and a minerally texture at the back of the throat. The review noted good direction and a "long aerial finish," though it mentioned the wine lacked a bit of persistence in weight.
Overall, the 2021 Fonplegade is a well-crafted Bordeaux Blend with high praise from multiple reviewers for its aromatic complexity, balanced structure, and potential for aging.