2022 Fonplegade

Impressive depth here, coming from a year marked by high ripeness. Rich, spiced plums, chalk and warm bread with a savory, citrusy edge. Medium- to full-bodied and well structured, with very fine tannins that manage to grow on the palate. A hint of sweetish smoothness in the lengthy finish reveals the ripe character of this vintage, making it pleasant to drink now or hold.

I loved the 2022 Château Fonplegade, a rich, textured Saint-Emilion that comes from a remarkable terroir on the Côte Pavie. Deep ruby and semi-opaque hued, it offers up a rocking perfume of blackcurrants, darker cherries, chocolate, roasted herbs, and spicy wood. This carries to a medium to full-bodied 2022 that's beautifully balanced, has a layered, elegant mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity and tannins, and a gorgeous finish. You can safely put this up with the finest vintages from this château to date. I love it even today, yet it's not going to enter its prime drinking window for another 4-6 years and should shine over the following 15 years or so. Bravo. Drink 2029-2044.