2017 Fonplegade
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Bright ruby colour. Somewhat reductive on the nose, muting the fruit at this stage. The palate is forward with plummy fruit, propped up by chalky and slightly angular tannin. There's a strong element of wood tannin at this stage, presented in a drying and slightly coarse finish after a promising start. This may yet knit together. (TP)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Fonplégade is classy, polished and simply impeccable in its balance. The Fonplégade is not a huge wine, but it has really gained in finesse over the course of its aging. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, mint and cinnamon add character to this racy, silky, exceptionally polished Saint-Émilion. Floral overtones add brightness to the finish.
Blended of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Fonplegade rolls out of the glass with pronounced notes of plum preserves, baked black cherries and mulberries plus hints of damp soil, cedar chest, new leather and fried herbs. Medium-bodied, the palate is soft-spoken and elegantly played with soft, well-managed tannins and lovely freshness, finishing earthy.
From a wonderful, hillside, limestone terroir and just about all Merlot (there’s 5% Cabernet Franc), the 2017 Chateau Fonplegade sports a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a plump, fruit-forward, opulent style on the palate. Classic notes of blackcurrants, unsmoked tobacco, chocolate, and leafy herbs all emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a soft, upfront texture, good mid-palate depth, and enough tannins to warrant 3-4 years of bottle age.