2007 Fonplegade

Relatively dark crimson for a 2007. Polished and suave. A little chewy and edgy. Definitely a 2007! Lack of real intensity on the mid palate. (JR)

Bright medium ruby. Musky dark fruits, violet, espresso and smoky minerals on the nose. Sweet, pliant and chewy, with the smoky minerality carrying through on the palate, but in need of a bit more clarity and nuance in spite of possessing firm acidity. Finishes with broad tannins, a note of dark chocolate, and a building leathery quality that became more rustic with extended aeration.

Performing much better from bottle than it did from barrel, this is a sleeper of the vintage from the American proprietor who has done such a great job resurrecting this once moribund estate. A dark ruby/purple hue is followed by notes of blueberries, raspberries, crushed rocks, and spring flowers, medium body, a soft, silky texture, lush, ripe fruit, and a heady finish. Drink it over the next decade.