2000 Fonplegade

Deep blackish crimson. Lightweight, supple but a bit bland on the nose. Bloody – so true to St-Emilion. Very dry tannins at the end. Quite ambitious and distinctive. Certainly not at all sweet... Reasonably admirable though the alcohol it a bit of a worry. Lots of very jagged tannins. (JR)

The 2000 is the finest Fonplegade in nearly two decades. Thankfully, there are 4,000 cases of this structured, deep, concentrated wine, with high levels of tannin, but equally impressive levels of extract and richness. Medium to full-bodied, with plum, black currant, and cherry fruit intermixed with mineral and earth, this pure, rich St.-Emilion is an admirable achievement. It is a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2018.

Simple red, with blackberry and tobacco character, medium body and a fresh finish. Best after 2005. 5,000 cases made. -James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2003