The 2020 Fonplégade is elegant, gracious and lifted, just as it was from barrel. Bright acids lend notable energy in this silky, nuanced Saint-Émilion. Crushed red berry fruit, cinnamon, mint and blood orange are all woven together in this very pretty, alluring Saint-Émilion. This is beautifully done. 02/2023

Out of barrel, I compared the 2020 Fonplégade to Burgundy and now that the wine is in barrel? Well, it still conveys a purity that I associate with the Côte d'Or, quite showy with plush red fruit, cherries and cranberry. Allowing the wine to open over 15 minutes, the veins of graphite and cedar emerge and pull it back to its place of birth. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. It's rather creamy on the entry, with black fruit laced with licorice and graphite. It just attenuates slightly towards the finish; otherwise, this is a fine Fonplégade. 02/2023 The 2020 Fonplégade has an intriguing bouquet that oddly made me think of Burgundy! Plush red berry fruit, vanilla, blueberry jam and touches of sous-bois burst from the glass, hints of blood orange and marmalade lingering in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, quite effervescent thanks to the keen line of acidity, and a little zesty toward the finish. This brims with nascent vigor and should drink well once in bottle, perhaps one that might offer much in its youth. 05/2021

Deep purple-black colored, the 2020 Fonplegade offers up notes of chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries and blackberry preserves, followed by hints of smoked meats, cinnamon toast and potpourri. The medium to full-bodied palate bursts with juicy black fruits, supported by velvety tannins and well-balanced acidity, finishing long and fragrant.

A solid red with blackberry, blackcurrant and spice character. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Nice depth of fruit and focus. 04*2021