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The right bank of Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion in particular, is known for its rich, fertile soil, making it an ideal location for great vineyards. In the case of Chateau Fonplegade, the winery stands out for its deep-rooted connection to the fertile land, while staying committed to embracing modern innovation. The result is a wine of unmatched quality.

Saint-Emilion is no stranger to mind-blowing wine, mainly because of its rich and fertile limestone and clay soils. One of the wineries taking full advantage is Chateau Fonplegade, led by dedicated owners Denise and Stephen Adams. Their dedication lies in ensuring each of their bottles embodies the essence of the terroir. In their own words, "At Fonplégade, we farm our vineyard not block by block, not even row by row, but carefully, vine by vine."  Denise Adams.

The winery is located atop the limestone plateau, where the best of these vineyards have flourished since the late 1500s. In 1852, Jean-Pierre Beylot, a renowned wine merchant,  recognized its potential and turned the winery into what it is today. Fast forward to 2004, when Denise and Stephen Adams were captivated by the terroir, rich history, and beauty of the grounds. Over the next 17 years, they embarked on a tough, but rewarding journey of revitalization, renovation, and restoration, ensuring every step is completed with passion and dedication.

Today, the winery is able to farm with a biodynamic certification, where a holistic approach is taken to every element of their farming. While the accommodating terroir plays an important role in the excellent wines, the biodynamic farming definitely contributes too.

The 2022 Chateau Fonplegade Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is particularly special since the wine is hand-farmed, using only organic and biodynamic grapes. As a result, the wines are elegant and sophisticated, yet carry a powerful tannin structure. 

2022 was an extraordinary vintage for Bordeaux, it was blessed with a 97 pt review by Wine Spectator who said: "A beautiful vintage. Merlot berries were small and concentrated; Cabernet Franc also relished the conditions. Wines are very aromatic and sleek, with Pomerol and St.-Emilion excelling"

Aging: 16 months in 50% new French oak barrels, 30% one-wine barrels, 10% cement eggs, and 10% amphorae.

85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. A beautifully refined Saint-Émilion, balancing richness and freshness with pure, elegant fruit. Black raspberries, cherries, and licorice lead the way, layered with floral notes, crushed rocks, and a hint of orange blossom. The palate is silky and medium-bodied, with a touch of chocolate-mint, sea salt, and espresso on a long, polished finish. Graceful yet structured—classic Right Bank finesse.

Ripe black and blue fruit here with savory undertones. Medium to full body. Tannins are firm but crunchy and lively. Structured and long. Vibrant finish with floral undertones. Classy. From biodynamically grown grapes. ~95 JS

Rich, high toned and open on the nose with savoury, herbal and spiced notes. Crunchy, chewy, bright sharp and sour fruit as well as high acidity, all combining to be forward and open with a cool fresh mint and crushed stone undertone. Balanced, this feels suave and detailed, not massively weighty, still has the tension and focus but everything is supremely harmonious on the palate with no one element sticking out. You can feel the density and the concentration of the fruit - blackcurrant, damson, plum, and a sense of the intensity while still having terroir markers of flint, graphite and salinity. Charming and approachable - one to seek out. Harvest 12 - 26 September. Ageing 16 months; 50% new barrels, 30% one wine, 10% cement egg, 10% amphora. Derenoncourt consultants. ~95 Decanter

The 2022 Fonplegade could very well turn out to be one of the surprises of the vintage. Aromatic, silky and super-expressive, the 2022 is impeccable. I especially admire the energy and balance here. ~95 AG-VM

The 2022 Château Fonplegade showed well both times I was able to taste it. Mulled cherries, cassis, chocolate, violets, and spicy notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a ripe, mouth-filling texture, building yet ripe tannins, and outstanding length. The tannins will need to be watched here, but I suspect this will round into form nicely over the course of its élevage, and it's clearly an outstanding Saint-Emilion in the making. ~95 JD