2008 Fonplegade, St-Emilion

SKU #1081834 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A major sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 offers fabulous aromas and flavors of black currants, black cherries, loamy soil, graphite and earth. Dense and supple textured with abundant fat and concentration in its medium to full-bodied, complex, evolved personality, it should drink well for 15+ years. (3/ 2011)

91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Saturated medium ruby. Aromas of blackberry, kirsch, violet and dark chocolate, along with some tarry high tones. Densely packed and impressively concentrated, with fine-grained flavors of sweet dark cherry, currant and graphite. Offers surprising lift in the middle palate and finishes with broad, chocolatey tannins. This has the density to evolve in bottle for 10 or 15 years. (8/ 2011)

91 points Wine Enthusiast

Barrel sample. Very jammy fruit, where the sweetness seems to dominate. It is accessible, the tannins open, opulent, with a ripe structure. It works though, as a rich wine. (12/ 2009)

90 points Wine Spectator

This is inviting, with delicious raspberry ganache, cherry reduction and sweet spice notes all pushed by racy licorice and toast. The slightly firm, muscular finish should stretch out with a touch of cellaring. Drink now through 2015. (4/ 2011)

K&L Notes

This beautiful property is well situated on the hill of St Emilion just below Chateau Canon. An underachiever for years, the property was bought by a USA concern who has pumped many dollars into its renovation. The wines are now about the best value wines from the area. Blackberries and spice here. Great balance and flavor.