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.

A sweetness to the blackcurrant fruit on the nose; perfumed, aromatic and interesting. Ripe and rich, this is a bold style, there’s clear power, concentration and drive. High-toned ripe fruit with spice from the tannins giving this heft right now. Long length. You feel they worked hard here to refine the overall expression, to not push too much. Lots of mint and liquorice, though, which do takeover. But, this also has great freshness and cooling blue fruit touches. I love the finish, it’s lifted, salty and strong. Wait for this.

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-Emilion. This is beautifully done.

Utterly classic notes of red and black cherries, chocolate, tobacco, and spicy wood emerge from the 2020 Château Fonplégade, a medium-bodied, pure, balanced, elegant Saint-Emilion that comes from a gorgeous terroir on the Côte Pavie. Based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that was raised in 50% new oak, it has building tannins, a layered, mouth-filling texture, and outstanding length. Give bottles 2-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 10-15. It's a complex, satisfying, impeccably made 2020.

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. Drink from 2027.

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.