Top Vintages
Read More
Top Vintages
Photo
AI Chat
-
James Suckling (94)
Incredible aromas of blackberries, blueberries, minerals and stone. Wow. Full-bodied, silky and firm. So polished. Sexy.Inc. TAX€351.18 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2016 Faugères was already showing extremely well a year ago, but now it seems to be showing what it can really do! It has a more classically trained bouquet featuring reserved blackberry and wild strawberry fruit, plus veins of undergrowth, autumn leaves and morels. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Supremely well focused, conveying impressive tension and energy on the finish. Outstanding. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.Inc. TAX€714.37 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2016 Faugères was already showing extremely well a year ago, but now it seems to be showing what it can really do! It has a more classically trained bouquet featuring reserved blackberry and wild strawberry fruit, plus veins of undergrowth, autumn leaves and morels. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Supremely well focused, conveying impressive tension and energy on the finish. Outstanding. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.Inc. TAX€447.18 -
James Suckling (92-93)
A solid and layered red with blackberries, wet earth and spices. Cloves. Medium to full body, ripe tannins and a juicy finish.Inc. TAX€382.07 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A ripe, rich red that delivers loads of crushed-berry, chocolate and walnut character, as well as fine tannins through the center palate. Layered texture.Inc. TAX€866.14 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A ripe, rich red that delivers loads of crushed-berry, chocolate and walnut character, as well as fine tannins through the center palate. Layered texture.Inc. TAX€274.07 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (87)
The 2020 Château de Ferrand has retained its "breezy" bouquet with upfront, red cherries, raspberry coulis and floral scents; orange zest is hiding in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. As I found previously, it feels a bit rigid and needs more flair on its briny finish. Not bad at all, but I feel this could have been better.Inc. TAX€389.32 -
(6x75cl) 2023James Suckling (94-95)
Attractive depth of fruit with blackberry and black olive, as well as crushed stone. Full-bodied with chewy and polished tannins that are velvety but muscular. 3.52 pH gives it verve. Saltiness comes from the cabernet franc planted on limestone soils. 65% merlot and 35% cabernet franc.Expected Price Range€136 - €161 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89-92)
Good bright ruby-red. Sexy nose offers black cherry, blackberry and a gamey nuance. Sweet and juicy, with an attractive layered texture and very good definition to the flavors of cherry, mocha and leather. Cooling acids contribute to the impression of shape and structure. Finishes juicy and long, if a bit youthfully brutal today. (A second sample was more pliant in the middle palate, and broader and sweeter on the back end.) This high-altitude, limestone-rich site, always picked late, is exactly the type of property that was able to take advantage of the favorable September and October weather in 2007.Inc. TAX€767.72 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Dense ruby/purple, it tips the scales at 15% natural alcohol and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Full-bodied in texture, it offers up loads of blueberry, blackberry and raspberry fruit intermixed with some cedar, vanilla and a touch of spring flowers. Impressively built, with good acidity and light tannin, this is a superb example of wine that reaches its prime in 3 or 4 years and lasts two decades. It’s right up there with their brilliant 2005.Inc. TAX€1,337.72 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2012 Fleur Cardinale is a beautiful example of modern Saint-Emilion. Silky tannins and soft contours wrap around a core of red cherry jam, wild flowers, mint, cinnamon and white pepper. Dramatic and expansive on the palate, the 2012 shows remarkable nuance for such an intense wine. All the elements fall into place effortlessly.Inc. TAX€464.84 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-92)
The 2013 Fleur Cardinale is a huge wine. Blood orange, pomegranate, white pepper and bright red cherries all explode from the glass. Unapologetically rich and intense, the 2013 is beautifully layered and voluptuous to the core. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. The 2013 has been impressive on all three occasions I have tasted it so far. The blend is 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.Inc. TAX€463.80 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2015 Fleur Cardinale is terrific. Exotic and flamboyantly ripe, it exudes richness and depth in all of its dimensions. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, mocha, leather and menthol are all amped up in a dramatic, full-bodied wine that is long on personality. As always, Fleur Cardinale shows the more opulent side of Saint-Émilion. A burst of red cherry jam, spice, new leather, spice, lavender and French oak punctuates the unctuous finish. Tasted three times.Inc. TAX€235.76 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2015 Fleur Cardinale is terrific. Exotic and flamboyantly ripe, it exudes richness and depth in all of its dimensions. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, mocha, leather and menthol are all amped up in a dramatic, full-bodied wine that is long on personality. As always, Fleur Cardinale shows the more opulent side of Saint-Émilion. A burst of red cherry jam, spice, new leather, spice, lavender and French oak punctuates the unctuous finish. Tasted three times.Inc. TAX€681.48 -
James Suckling (95-96)
Vivid and lively with blackberries, earth and some flowers. It’s full and layered with tannins that spread across the palate. Broader form to this young Bordeaux. Lots of tannins at the end.Inc. TAX€293.39 -
Decanter (94)
Intensely perfumed on the nose, so expressive and aromatic with dark chocolate and blackcurrant liqueur aspects. Juicy, fresh, playful, lifted and upfront - this has a lot going on. It's lightly framed with a lifted nature on the palate, the flavours all vertical and expansive but not heavy. It's a delicate style in terms of structure but the flavours are persistent and really fill the mouth with a brightness as well as minty, chocolate, liquorice fresh tannins. I love this one - a real success of the vintage. Usually 70-75% Merlot, so this is a new Fleur Cardinale, the' kind of blend we'd like to have in the future' says Ludovic and Caroline Decoster, with increased plantings of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon taking place at the estate. Consultants Jean Philippe Fort - Michel Rolland Laboratoire. First year of conversion to organic, 2021 saw a loss of 50% production - 20% to frost and 30% to mildew. A fine effort.Inc. TAX€533.27 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2014 Fombrauge is dark, sensual and inviting. Plum, black cherry, smoke, tobacco and cedar are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. Sumptuous and racy, the 2014 exudes finesse and nuance, but with plenty of the Magrez signature richness. Stylistically, the Fombrauge is a bit more finessed than the Magrez-Fombrauge, which is not a bad thing, as these wines are born with so much natural richness. Tasted three times.Inc. TAX€377.65 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2016 Fombrauge has come together beautifully during its aging and is now a much more refined wine than it was from barrel. Sweet red berry fruit, mocha, espresso, mint and floral notes all grace this exquisite, mid-weight Saint-Émilion. The 2016 is simply impeccable, not to mention incredibly delicious. There is not much more to it than that. Tasted two times.Inc. TAX€503.62 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2019 Fombrauge is one of the best wines I have tasted from this property in some time. It shows all the richness that is typical of Bernard Magrez's style but with less heaviness and a good deal of aromatic presence that helps balance things out. Sweet dark cherry, chocolate, leather, licorice and mocha build into the resonant, super-expressive finish. The 2019 is a classy Fombrauge.Inc. TAX€144.56 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)
The inky-hued 2020 Château Fombrauge is another wonderful Saint-Emilion that shines on all accounts. Possessing terrific purity in its cassis-styled fruits as well as notes of violets, chocolate, and chalky minerality, this puppy is medium to full-bodied, has a great mid-palate, background oak, and outstanding length. Tasted twice.Inc. TAX€382.12 -
James Suckling (92-93)
Perfumed and fresh with flowers, such as lavender and violets. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that are layered and refined in texture.Inc. TAX€325.67 -
(6x75cl) 2023James Suckling (94-95)
This has a creamy texture with round tannins, very attractive ripe fruit and a juicy finish of blackberry and chocolate. Medium to full body. More balanced than 2022?Expected Price Range€126 - €149 -
The Fonplegade 2013 encapsulates the very essence of Saint Émilion, a heralded wine region in Bordeaux, France. Grown in vineyards with limestone and clay soils, this vintage boasts a harmonious blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. Its creator, Fonplegade, leverages an organic viticulture approach that accentuates the wine's character and provenance.
Rich with sensuous layers of ripe blackcurrants, figs, and savoury spices, Fonplegade 2013 has a gorgeous depth that heightens with decanting. This full-bodied, complex wine is beautifully rounded off with plum notes and cocoa undertones, exhibiting an exquisite balance of power and finesse.
Matures in French oak barrels for supreme texture and flavour, this vintage Flemingate 2013 delivers a long and unerringly pure finish. Regarded as one of the most refined offerings from Fonplegade, this wine offers a unique glimpse into the prestigious terroir of Saint Émilion.
Inc. TAX€649.16 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Fonplegade opens with a very savory nose of smoked meats, tapenade, sautéed herbs and beef drippings over a core of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and cedar chest plus wafts of violets and cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses both intensity and elegance, with the black fruit layers superbly framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.Inc. TAX€442.19 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2017 Fonplégade is classy, polished and simply impeccable in its balance. The Fonplégade is not a huge wine, but it has really gained in finesse over the course of its aging. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, mint and cinnamon add character to this racy, silky, exceptionally polished Saint-Émilion. Floral overtones add brightness to the finish.Inc. TAX€319.79 -
Wine Advocate (93-95)
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fonplegade strides confidently out of the glass with bold black cherries, warm plums and black raspberry scents plus hints of cedar chest, pencil shavings, lavender, garrigue and camphor. Full-bodied, rich and packed with expressive black fruits, it has a firm, velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long.Inc. TAX€361.79 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2019 Fonplégade is elegant, refined and full of character. Sweet dark cherry, chocolate, leather, spice, menthol and licorice build effortlessly in the glass. Fonplégade is a Saint-Émilion that emphasizes elegance over sheer power.Inc. TAX€430.12 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)
Crushed rocks, currants, cherries, flowers, licorice, smoke, cocoa and espresso covers all the bases in the perfume. Elegant and edgy, silky, soft and mineral driven, the fruits show a beautiful purity, freshness and refinement on the palate, leaving you with salty tannins and sweet plums that continue to linger and expand in the finish. The wine is made from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.Inc. TAX€293.58 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-95)
The 2021 Fonplégade is classy and refined to the core. It possesses terrific depth, with sweet floral aromatics and fine-grained tannins that convey finesse. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and bright saline notes all meld together. Fonplégade is built more on vertical persistence than volume. It is one of the most elegant Saint-Émilions of the vintage and a terrific effort from proprietors Denise and Stephen Adams. Tasted three times.Inc. TAX€464.92 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (85-87)
The 2013 Fonroque comes across as a bit compact, with limited depth and complexity. Sweet red berries, hard candy, flowers and tobacco take shape nicely in the glass, but the mid-palate never really blossoms, which allows the oak tannin to dominate.Inc. TAX€482.77
-
James Suckling (94)
Incredible aromas of blackberries, blueberries, minerals and stone. Wow. Full-bodied, silky and firm. So polished. Sexy.In Bond€274.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2016 Faugères was already showing extremely well a year ago, but now it seems to be showing what it can really do! It has a more classically trained bouquet featuring reserved blackberry and wild strawberry fruit, plus veins of undergrowth, autumn leaves and morels. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Supremely well focused, conveying impressive tension and energy on the finish. Outstanding. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.In Bond€558.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2016 Faugères was already showing extremely well a year ago, but now it seems to be showing what it can really do! It has a more classically trained bouquet featuring reserved blackberry and wild strawberry fruit, plus veins of undergrowth, autumn leaves and morels. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Supremely well focused, conveying impressive tension and energy on the finish. Outstanding. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.In Bond€354.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
A solid and layered red with blackberries, wet earth and spices. Cloves. Medium to full body, ripe tannins and a juicy finish.In Bond€296.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A ripe, rich red that delivers loads of crushed-berry, chocolate and walnut character, as well as fine tannins through the center palate. Layered texture.In Bond€677.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A ripe, rich red that delivers loads of crushed-berry, chocolate and walnut character, as well as fine tannins through the center palate. Layered texture.In Bond€206.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (87)
The 2020 Château de Ferrand has retained its "breezy" bouquet with upfront, red cherries, raspberry coulis and floral scents; orange zest is hiding in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. As I found previously, it feels a bit rigid and needs more flair on its briny finish. Not bad at all, but I feel this could have been better.In Bond€302.00 -
(6x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (94-95)
Attractive depth of fruit with blackberry and black olive, as well as crushed stone. Full-bodied with chewy and polished tannins that are velvety but muscular. 3.52 pH gives it verve. Saltiness comes from the cabernet franc planted on limestone soils. 65% merlot and 35% cabernet franc.Expected Price Range€136 - €161 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89-92)
Good bright ruby-red. Sexy nose offers black cherry, blackberry and a gamey nuance. Sweet and juicy, with an attractive layered texture and very good definition to the flavors of cherry, mocha and leather. Cooling acids contribute to the impression of shape and structure. Finishes juicy and long, if a bit youthfully brutal today. (A second sample was more pliant in the middle palate, and broader and sweeter on the back end.) This high-altitude, limestone-rich site, always picked late, is exactly the type of property that was able to take advantage of the favorable September and October weather in 2007.In Bond€595.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Dense ruby/purple, it tips the scales at 15% natural alcohol and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Full-bodied in texture, it offers up loads of blueberry, blackberry and raspberry fruit intermixed with some cedar, vanilla and a touch of spring flowers. Impressively built, with good acidity and light tannin, this is a superb example of wine that reaches its prime in 3 or 4 years and lasts two decades. It’s right up there with their brilliant 2005.In Bond€1,070.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2012 Fleur Cardinale is a beautiful example of modern Saint-Emilion. Silky tannins and soft contours wrap around a core of red cherry jam, wild flowers, mint, cinnamon and white pepper. Dramatic and expansive on the palate, the 2012 shows remarkable nuance for such an intense wine. All the elements fall into place effortlessly.In Bond€350.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-92)
The 2013 Fleur Cardinale is a huge wine. Blood orange, pomegranate, white pepper and bright red cherries all explode from the glass. Unapologetically rich and intense, the 2013 is beautifully layered and voluptuous to the core. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. The 2013 has been impressive on all three occasions I have tasted it so far. The blend is 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.In Bond€349.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2015 Fleur Cardinale is terrific. Exotic and flamboyantly ripe, it exudes richness and depth in all of its dimensions. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, mocha, leather and menthol are all amped up in a dramatic, full-bodied wine that is long on personality. As always, Fleur Cardinale shows the more opulent side of Saint-Émilion. A burst of red cherry jam, spice, new leather, spice, lavender and French oak punctuates the unctuous finish. Tasted three times.In Bond€189.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2015 Fleur Cardinale is terrific. Exotic and flamboyantly ripe, it exudes richness and depth in all of its dimensions. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, mocha, leather and menthol are all amped up in a dramatic, full-bodied wine that is long on personality. As always, Fleur Cardinale shows the more opulent side of Saint-Émilion. A burst of red cherry jam, spice, new leather, spice, lavender and French oak punctuates the unctuous finish. Tasted three times.In Bond€538.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
Vivid and lively with blackberries, earth and some flowers. It’s full and layered with tannins that spread across the palate. Broader form to this young Bordeaux. Lots of tannins at the end.In Bond€226.00 -
Decanter (94)
Intensely perfumed on the nose, so expressive and aromatic with dark chocolate and blackcurrant liqueur aspects. Juicy, fresh, playful, lifted and upfront - this has a lot going on. It's lightly framed with a lifted nature on the palate, the flavours all vertical and expansive but not heavy. It's a delicate style in terms of structure but the flavours are persistent and really fill the mouth with a brightness as well as minty, chocolate, liquorice fresh tannins. I love this one - a real success of the vintage. Usually 70-75% Merlot, so this is a new Fleur Cardinale, the' kind of blend we'd like to have in the future' says Ludovic and Caroline Decoster, with increased plantings of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon taking place at the estate. Consultants Jean Philippe Fort - Michel Rolland Laboratoire. First year of conversion to organic, 2021 saw a loss of 50% production - 20% to frost and 30% to mildew. A fine effort.In Bond€422.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2014 Fombrauge is dark, sensual and inviting. Plum, black cherry, smoke, tobacco and cedar are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. Sumptuous and racy, the 2014 exudes finesse and nuance, but with plenty of the Magrez signature richness. Stylistically, the Fombrauge is a bit more finessed than the Magrez-Fombrauge, which is not a bad thing, as these wines are born with so much natural richness. Tasted three times.In Bond€296.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2016 Fombrauge has come together beautifully during its aging and is now a much more refined wine than it was from barrel. Sweet red berry fruit, mocha, espresso, mint and floral notes all grace this exquisite, mid-weight Saint-Émilion. The 2016 is simply impeccable, not to mention incredibly delicious. There is not much more to it than that. Tasted two times.In Bond€401.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2019 Fombrauge is one of the best wines I have tasted from this property in some time. It shows all the richness that is typical of Bernard Magrez's style but with less heaviness and a good deal of aromatic presence that helps balance things out. Sweet dark cherry, chocolate, leather, licorice and mocha build into the resonant, super-expressive finish. The 2019 is a classy Fombrauge.In Bond€113.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)
The inky-hued 2020 Château Fombrauge is another wonderful Saint-Emilion that shines on all accounts. Possessing terrific purity in its cassis-styled fruits as well as notes of violets, chocolate, and chalky minerality, this puppy is medium to full-bodied, has a great mid-palate, background oak, and outstanding length. Tasted twice.In Bond€296.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
Perfumed and fresh with flowers, such as lavender and violets. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that are layered and refined in texture.In Bond€249.00 -
(6x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (94-95)
This has a creamy texture with round tannins, very attractive ripe fruit and a juicy finish of blackberry and chocolate. Medium to full body. More balanced than 2022?Expected Price Range€126 - €149 -
The Fonplegade 2013 encapsulates the very essence of Saint Émilion, a heralded wine region in Bordeaux, France. Grown in vineyards with limestone and clay soils, this vintage boasts a harmonious blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. Its creator, Fonplegade, leverages an organic viticulture approach that accentuates the wine's character and provenance.
Rich with sensuous layers of ripe blackcurrants, figs, and savoury spices, Fonplegade 2013 has a gorgeous depth that heightens with decanting. This full-bodied, complex wine is beautifully rounded off with plum notes and cocoa undertones, exhibiting an exquisite balance of power and finesse.
Matures in French oak barrels for supreme texture and flavour, this vintage Flemingate 2013 delivers a long and unerringly pure finish. Regarded as one of the most refined offerings from Fonplegade, this wine offers a unique glimpse into the prestigious terroir of Saint Émilion.
In Bond€504.00 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Fonplegade opens with a very savory nose of smoked meats, tapenade, sautéed herbs and beef drippings over a core of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and cedar chest plus wafts of violets and cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses both intensity and elegance, with the black fruit layers superbly framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.In Bond€350.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2017 Fonplégade is classy, polished and simply impeccable in its balance. The Fonplégade is not a huge wine, but it has really gained in finesse over the course of its aging. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, mint and cinnamon add character to this racy, silky, exceptionally polished Saint-Émilion. Floral overtones add brightness to the finish.In Bond€248.00 -
Wine Advocate (93-95)
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fonplegade strides confidently out of the glass with bold black cherries, warm plums and black raspberry scents plus hints of cedar chest, pencil shavings, lavender, garrigue and camphor. Full-bodied, rich and packed with expressive black fruits, it has a firm, velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long.In Bond€283.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2019 Fonplégade is elegant, refined and full of character. Sweet dark cherry, chocolate, leather, spice, menthol and licorice build effortlessly in the glass. Fonplégade is a Saint-Émilion that emphasizes elegance over sheer power.In Bond€336.00 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)
Crushed rocks, currants, cherries, flowers, licorice, smoke, cocoa and espresso covers all the bases in the perfume. Elegant and edgy, silky, soft and mineral driven, the fruits show a beautiful purity, freshness and refinement on the palate, leaving you with salty tannins and sweet plums that continue to linger and expand in the finish. The wine is made from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.In Bond€226.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-95)
The 2021 Fonplégade is classy and refined to the core. It possesses terrific depth, with sweet floral aromatics and fine-grained tannins that convey finesse. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and bright saline notes all meld together. Fonplégade is built more on vertical persistence than volume. It is one of the most elegant Saint-Émilions of the vintage and a terrific effort from proprietors Denise and Stephen Adams. Tasted three times.In Bond€365.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (85-87)
The 2013 Fonroque comes across as a bit compact, with limited depth and complexity. Sweet red berries, hard candy, flowers and tobacco take shape nicely in the glass, but the mid-palate never really blossoms, which allows the oak tannin to dominate.In Bond€365.00
Bordeaux's relatively diverse weather, particularly its rainfall, means that vintage variation can be quite broad between some years. However advances in wine making techniques, technology and investment has meant that many chateaux are still able to create very good wines in "lesser vintages". From the best vintages wines are made that are clambered for all over the world and mature excellently for many years.
This is a selection of some of our favourite vintages from Bordeaux over the last few decades, as well some more recent ones.
