ChateauFonplegadeSaintEmilionGrandCru2021

<p>Chateau Fonplegade is located close to the southeast portion of the St. Emilion village. What we know of as Chateau Fonplegade today, is one of the oldest vineyards in Saint Emilion. Proof of this is easily seen. If you’re visiting Chateau Fonplegade and looking at the historic Roman pathways still visible today, it’s easy to see how Fonplegade could be one of the oldest Bordeaux vineyards in the Right Bank. Ancient Roman ruins date the birth of the estate as a vineyard to about 400 AD.The name Fonplegade was inspired by the terroir. Fonplegade means full or bent fountain. It was derived from the natural fountain, located close to the center of the vineyard which supports numerous, small, running springs in various bent and twisted shapes that are located on the estate. Skipping ahead about 1,500 years, in 1852, Jean-Pierre Beylot purchased Chateau Fonplegade. Beylot built the magnificent chateau that is still on the Fonplegade property today. In 1863, Chateau Fonplegade was sold to the Duke of Morny. Morny was the step brother of Napoleon the 3rd. The Moueix family purchased the estate in 1953. Things changed again most recently in 2004 when Denise Adams and Stephen Adams bought the Right Bank vineyard of Chateau Fonplegade for 30 million Euros from Armand Moueix. After a complete and very, expensive renovation of the Chateau Fonplegade chateau, cellars and wine making facilities, they also replanted large portions of the vineyards. Next, the Adams family started taking a different approach with their vineyard management techniques.They began a biodynamic, farming program starting with the 2009 vintage. They were certified organic in 2013. Michel Rolland was the first consultant they hired. In 2015, they also brought in the team of Stephane Derenoncourt to help consult in the vineyard management and winemaking along with Corinne Comme. Stephen Adams and Denise Adams own other vineyards in the Right Bank including Chateau LEnclos in Pomerol. In 2020 the estate was officially certified as 100% Biodynamic. Along with biodynamic farming, they only use native yeasts in their vineyard as well.The 18.5 hectare St. Emilion vineyard of Chateau Fonplegade is planted to 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. The remaining Cabernet Sauvignon vines were removed in 2010. The goal is to slowly increase the amount of Cabernet Franc planted in the vineyard to as much as 20% of the plantings over time.The terroir is limestone and clay soils. The south facing vineyard has most of their vineyards ideally placed on the slopes, with some vines being planted on the plateau and a minor portion of their vines are planted at the bottom of their hillsides. They also have a parcel of vines north of the village, off the road to Libourne.DECANTER Score 91Tasted by Georgina Hindle (at Bordeaux, 01 Apr 2022)“Perfumed and scented on the nose with cocoa powder too. Dark and savoury on the palate, the fruit more blackcurrant, plum and damson with clear liquorice spicing throughout the palate. The texture is appealing as is the minerality at the back of the throat but this stop a little short or rather just lacks a little persistence in terms of weight. But good direction and long aerial finish. Drinking Window 2024 – 2036.”Chateau Fonplegade Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2021 | Gusto Wines</p>