Chateau Fonplegade, Fleur de Fonplegade, 2020

ABOUT THE WINE. For centuries, the vine rows of Château Fonplégade have supplied some of Saint-Émilion’s most coveted fruit. Since 2004, the estate has been revitalised under American owners, who’ve invested heavily in vineyard precision and cellar upgrades. The 2020 vintage—the finale of Bordeaux’s lauded 2018–2020 trilogy—delivered small, perfectly ripe berries and superb balance. Expect a polished, terroir-driven Saint-Émilion with real depth and freshness.. TASTING NOTES. Vibrant aromas of red and black cherry, ripe plum and wild raspberry, with violet, graphite and subtle cedar-spice. The palate is medium-to-full-bodied and silk-textured, showing fine, chalky tannins and a bright, stone-tinged finish. Generous fruit wrapped in lift and precision—classic modern Right Bank poise.. FOOD PAIRING. A natural match for roast beef or lamb chops, rich beef or mushroom stews, and truffle-mushroom pasta. Also excellent with hard cheeses like Comté or aged Cheddar.. FRIARWOOD SAYS. A reliably impressive Saint-Émilion in 2020: immediate charm after a brief decant, with the structure to age gracefully. Drink now–2035.