Sign In

2020 Château Fonplegade, 1.5ltr

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

June 1, 2025 - $86

Estimate

RATINGS

94James Suckling

Attractive aromas of ripe black and blue fruit with crushed violets, walnut and dark chocolate. Some dried leaves, too. Medium- to full-bodied with a plush and supple palate that offers an array of ripe, racy tannins and a crunchy, deep berry character. Structured and focused with a juicy finish.

94Jeb Dunnuck

...classic notes of red and black cherries, chocolate, tobacco, and spicy wood...medium-bodied, pure, balanced, elegant Saint-Emilion...has building tannins, a layered, mouth-filling texture, and outstanding length.

93Wine Enthusiast

This dense wine has some serious tannins as well as layers of black fruits. Its acidity and freshness are impeccable giving finesse and a balance of fine acidity and structure.

92The Wine Advocate

...aromas of cherries, plums, licorice and pencil shavings, follow by a medium to full-bodied, deep and refined palate that concludes with a saline, attractively floral finish.

91Vinous / IWC

...has a marine-scented bouquet with tightly knit black fruit, brine and light oyster shell aromas...palate is silky smooth on the entry with fine acidity...slips down the throat easily on the finish...

16Jancis Robinson

Fragrant with wild berries. Open, scented and inviting. Lightish tannins, very smooth, some chocolate flavour and texture on the finish.

PRODUCER

Château Fonplegade

Château Fonplegade is a Grand Cru in the St.-Emilion appellation of Bordeaux. The 48-acre estate was founded in 1852 and in the later 19th century was for a time owned by siblings of Napoleon III. Today the estate is owned by Americans Stephen and Denise Adams, who also own Château L’Enclos and White Cottage Winery in Napa Valley. The couple invested in improvements and hired consulting oenologist Michel Rolland. Château Fonplegade is 95% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. The second wine is Fleur de Fonplegade.

REGION

France, Bordeaux, St.-Émilion

Saint-Émilion is on the east side of the Dordogne River. At 13,400 acres it is one of Bordeaux’s largest appellations, and perhaps its most picturesque. It is also home to what has been called “the garagiste” movement of upstart, tradition-defying winemakers who produce artisanal wines in styles that are unconventional for the appellation. The village of Saint-Émilion dates from the middle ages and it sits on low hills, surrounded by ancient walls. Like its neighbor Pomerol, Saint-Émilion was not included in the famous Bordeaux classification system of 1855. But a century later a ranking system was put in place, and unlike the classification system for the Medoc, the Saint-Émilion system is reviewed every ten years, meaning that estates can be upgraded or downgraded. There are three rankings: Grand Cru Classé, Premier Grand Cru Classé B and Premier Grand Cru Classé A, with the final ranking being the best. Such legendary Saint-Émilion estates as Châteaux Ausone and Cheval-Blanc are Premier Grand Cru Classé A, along with Châteaux Pavie and Angélus, both added to the classification in 2012. Wines in this appellation are primarily Merlot, mixed with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

VINTAGE

2020 Château Fonplegade