94

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

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

91

Neal Martin

Vinous

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. 12/2022

92

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

Another successful vintage for this estate, the 2020 Fonplégade delivers 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. It's one 2020 that is more elegant than its 2019 counterpart. 04/2023

94

James Suckling

James 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. Drink after 2025. 05/2023