2016 Fonplégade, St-Emilion (Pre-Arrival)
SKU #1299188
96 points
Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Fonplegade opens with a very savory nose of smoked meats, tapenade, sautéed herbs and beef drippings over a core of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and cedar chest plus wafts of violets and cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses both intensity and elegance, with the black fruit layers superbly framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. (LPB) 96+
(11/2018)
95 points
James Suckling
A very suave, modern-style St.-Emilion with fine blackberry aromas and some bitter chocolate. Excellent balance of fruit, generous velvety tannins and lively acidity on the rich palate. Long, clean and supple finish. Drink or hold.
(2/2019)
92-95 points
Wine Spectator
Lots of energy here, with a wide range of loganberry, acai and blackberry fruit flavors pumping along, backed by licorice snap and sweet spice accents. Has some heft, but this is vivid throughout as it relies on purity and a nice mineral underpinning. Strong showing. (JM)
(4/2017)
94 points
Jeb Dunnuck
Matching the blockbuster 2015 in quality, the 2016 Château Fonplégade is a ripe, fleshy, sexy wine that's loaded with notions of jammy blackberry, cassis, dried earth, and spice. With full-bodied richness, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a layered, fruit-forward style, it nevertheless has solid underlying structure and length, all promising a solid evolution. I’d be happy to drink bottles any time over the coming two decades or more.
(2/2019)
94 points
Vinous
The 2016 Fonplégade is just as compelling as it was from barrel. Silky and nuanced, the 2016 is super finessed from the very first impression. Sweet red cherry, espresso, blood orange and spice all pulse through this racy, impeccably balanced Saint-Émilion, while floral overtones add energy. Simply put, the 2016 is absolutely sublime. Proprietors Stephen and Denise Adams, along with their team, have done a brilliant job with their 2016. (AG)
(1/2019)
93 points
Decanter
Château Fonplégade is beginning the conversion to biodynamics as of 2017 across the entire estate, after being certified organic in 2013. This is a lovely wine that sacrifices zero power but just shoots those silky, rich Merlot fruits through with a whoosh of life. I think it could go further in upping the minerality on the finish, but that should come naturally over the next few years and this is extremely successful. Stephane Derenoncourt consultant as of 2015. 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc aged in 60% new oak. (JA)
(4/2017)
K&L Notes
93 points Neal Martin for Vinous: "The 2016 Fonplégade offers intense blackberry, boysenberry and fig on the nose, which is quite ravishing in style but well defined. The balanced, slightly citric palate delivers sappy black fruit and impressive energy; it feels modern and velvety yet retains admirable delineation through to the rounded finish. This is a very promising Saint-Émilion from Stephen and Denise Adams." (01/2019)
