Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Initially you notice flowers and crushed rocks before moving on to the black raspberries, licorice, cherries and background note of orange blossom and a healthy dose of oak. On the medium-bodied palate, the wine is soft, pure and fresh, with a sweetness to the fruits, silkiness to the tannins and a touch of chocolate-mint, sea salt and espresso in the endnote. Made from a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, 13.5% ABV, pH 3.6. The harvest took place September 30-October 14. Drink from 2023-2039.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2021 Fonplégade offers up aromas of rich berry and cherry fruit framed by minty new oak. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and lively, it's generous and concentrated, albeit a touch marked by its 50% new oak at this early stage.

Jeb Dunnuck

From a beautiful terroir on the hillside just outside of Saint-Emilion, the 2021 Château Fonplégade is based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc raised in a mix of cask, concrete, and amphora. Cassis, spring flowers, ripe strawberries, and hints of tobacco all emerge from this medium-bodied, supple, layered, incredibly impressive 2021. I love its mid-palate, and it has present yet perfectly ripe tannins and outstanding length.

James Suckling

Smoked herbs, spices and a hint of lanolin cream to the red berries and plums. Generous but juicy on the palate with a medium body and silky tannins. Pretty long and flattering finish. Plenty of wood here but it should come together better in two more years. Try in 2025.