St. Emilion
SICCFSE
Fleur de Fonplegade St. Emilion Grand Cru 2021
Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion
Grape variety: Cabernet & Merlot
Background: Château Fonplégade's name (literally "fountain of plenty") was derived from the historic 13th century stone fountain that graces the estate's vineyard. It quenched the thirst of passing pilgrims for hundreds of years, and continues to provide sustenance to the estate's vines in the driest vintages. Grapevines have thrived at this exceptional site, perched on the limestone plateau that is home to Saint-Emilion's finest vineyards, since the late 1500s. In 1852, legendary wine merchant Jean-Pierre Beylot purchased the estate and built the elegant château that still stands on the property. Enchanted by the terroir, history and grandeur of the estate, with its ancient Roman pathways and graceful vine rows, Denise and Stephen Adams acquired Château Fonplégade in 2004 and spent 15 years tirelessly revitalizing the vineyards, renovating the cellar and lovingly restoring the château.
Tasting notes: Deep ruby colour with a generous nose of fresh red fruits and spice. Full-bodied, round mouthfeel supported by an elegant acidity (from the limestone terroir). Remarkable mineral focus.
Grape variety: Cabernet & Merlot
Background: Château Fonplégade's name (literally "fountain of plenty") was derived from the historic 13th century stone fountain that graces the estate's vineyard. It quenched the thirst of passing pilgrims for hundreds of years, and continues to provide sustenance to the estate's vines in the driest vintages. Grapevines have thrived at this exceptional site, perched on the limestone plateau that is home to Saint-Emilion's finest vineyards, since the late 1500s. In 1852, legendary wine merchant Jean-Pierre Beylot purchased the estate and built the elegant château that still stands on the property. Enchanted by the terroir, history and grandeur of the estate, with its ancient Roman pathways and graceful vine rows, Denise and Stephen Adams acquired Château Fonplégade in 2004 and spent 15 years tirelessly revitalizing the vineyards, renovating the cellar and lovingly restoring the château.
Tasting notes: Deep ruby colour with a generous nose of fresh red fruits and spice. Full-bodied, round mouthfeel supported by an elegant acidity (from the limestone terroir). Remarkable mineral focus.
Fleur de Fonplegade St. Emilion Grand Cru 2021
SICCA20
Chateau Angelus 2020
Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion
Grape variety: Merlot (60%) & Cabernet Franc (40%)
Background: The Premier Cru Classe Château Angélus takes its name from the three church bells of the town of Saint-Émilion whose tolling has always been audible from the estate’s vineyards. This legendary property was founded in 1782 and, for 8 generations, the family de Boüard de Laforest has carefully guarded its exceptional legacy.
The Château Angélus vineyard is located in the heart of Saint-Émilion. The vines are planted in clay-sand-limestone soils.
Winemaking process: The high levels of rainfall during the winter and spring allowed the soils to build up a significant water reserve, which helped throughout the year to preserve the balance of the vineyard. The 2020 vintage stood out for both prolonged drought and for the capacity of the soils (clay and limestone) to provide perfect balance by drawing on water reserves. The summer conditions were ideal to ensure good ripeness and yield healthy, balanced grapes rich in polyphenols. Balanced and complete, 2020 is a perfect synthesis of its two illustrious predecessors, 2018 and 2019.
The vinifications were carried out in oak and stainless steel vats for the Merlot, and in concrete vats for the Cabernet Franc. A pre-fermentation maceration, carried out in certain vats according to the specificities of the grapes, was followed by an alcoholic fermentation and then a post-fermentation maceration of 1 to 3 weeks. The juice ran off was immediately transferred to barrel. Lasting 20 to 22 months, the ageing took place in new French oak barrels for the Merlot and certain Cabernet Franc batches. A specific ageing was carried out in 30 hl casks for the Cabernet Franc, which was selected for its aromatic richness.
Tasting notes: It has a deep red colour. The Cabernet Francs, with their crunch and quality, magnify this great Angelus. A touch of cashmere tannins, great sweetness, and spicy notes. They compete in elegance with the Merlots. Ending with an epic length, this is an Angélus with an unusual flavour that that is perfect for tasting and will defy time.
The colour is shiny and beautifully dense, the wine displays a dark, almost black colour. Purple nuances testify to the perfect ripeness of the grapes. The nose is aromatic, the nose blends delicious fruity fragrances (black fruits, wild cherries, blackberries) with elegant floral notes (peony, violet).
The refined tannins display a round and voluptuous structure. Fresh and harmonious, the palate seduces with its extreme elegance and purity, exuding the precision of Merlot and the character of Cabernet Franc.
Background: The Premier Cru Classe Château Angélus takes its name from the three church bells of the town of Saint-Émilion whose tolling has always been audible from the estate’s vineyards. This legendary property was founded in 1782 and, for 8 generations, the family de Boüard de Laforest has carefully guarded its exceptional legacy.
The Château Angélus vineyard is located in the heart of Saint-Émilion. The vines are planted in clay-sand-limestone soils.
Winemaking process: The high levels of rainfall during the winter and spring allowed the soils to build up a significant water reserve, which helped throughout the year to preserve the balance of the vineyard. The 2020 vintage stood out for both prolonged drought and for the capacity of the soils (clay and limestone) to provide perfect balance by drawing on water reserves. The summer conditions were ideal to ensure good ripeness and yield healthy, balanced grapes rich in polyphenols. Balanced and complete, 2020 is a perfect synthesis of its two illustrious predecessors, 2018 and 2019.
The vinifications were carried out in oak and stainless steel vats for the Merlot, and in concrete vats for the Cabernet Franc. A pre-fermentation maceration, carried out in certain vats according to the specificities of the grapes, was followed by an alcoholic fermentation and then a post-fermentation maceration of 1 to 3 weeks. The juice ran off was immediately transferred to barrel. Lasting 20 to 22 months, the ageing took place in new French oak barrels for the Merlot and certain Cabernet Franc batches. A specific ageing was carried out in 30 hl casks for the Cabernet Franc, which was selected for its aromatic richness.
Tasting notes: It has a deep red colour. The Cabernet Francs, with their crunch and quality, magnify this great Angelus. A touch of cashmere tannins, great sweetness, and spicy notes. They compete in elegance with the Merlots. Ending with an epic length, this is an Angélus with an unusual flavour that that is perfect for tasting and will defy time.
The colour is shiny and beautifully dense, the wine displays a dark, almost black colour. Purple nuances testify to the perfect ripeness of the grapes. The nose is aromatic, the nose blends delicious fruity fragrances (black fruits, wild cherries, blackberries) with elegant floral notes (peony, violet).
The refined tannins display a round and voluptuous structure. Fresh and harmonious, the palate seduces with its extreme elegance and purity, exuding the precision of Merlot and the character of Cabernet Franc.
Chateau Angelus 2020
SICDAU
Chateau Daugay St. Emilion Grand Cru 2019/2020
Region: France, Bordeau, Saint Emilion
Grape variety: Cabernet Franc (15%), Cabernet Sauvignon (8%) & Merlot (77%)
Background: The estate was once part of Château Angélus and is still owned by the same family.
Tasting notes: This wine is rich in opulent black fruits and solid tannins.
Grape variety: Cabernet Franc (15%), Cabernet Sauvignon (8%) & Merlot (77%)
Background: The estate was once part of Château Angélus and is still owned by the same family.
Tasting notes: This wine is rich in opulent black fruits and solid tannins.
Chateau Daugay St. Emilion Grand Cru 2019/2020
SICCVT
Chateau Vieille Tour La Rose St. Emilion Grand Cru 2022
Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion
Grape variety: Cabernet Franc & Merlot
Tasting notes: This wine presents the richness, elegance and classicism typical of Saint Emilion. The nose is a mixture of ripe fruit with toasty notes, vanilla and a hint of leather. The chewy attack supplied the Merlot is offset by fine vivacity which imparts freshness and a creamy texture. The persistent finish is borne along by taut tannins wrapped in generous extract. Very well-balanced wine, best drunk after a few years' cellaring.
Grape variety: Cabernet Franc & Merlot
Tasting notes: This wine presents the richness, elegance and classicism typical of Saint Emilion. The nose is a mixture of ripe fruit with toasty notes, vanilla and a hint of leather. The chewy attack supplied the Merlot is offset by fine vivacity which imparts freshness and a creamy texture. The persistent finish is borne along by taut tannins wrapped in generous extract. Very well-balanced wine, best drunk after a few years' cellaring.
Chateau Vieille Tour La Rose St. Emilion Grand Cru 2022
SICFON19
Chateau Fonplegade St. Emilion Grand Cru 2019
Regioon: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion
Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Franc
Background: Folks have been making wine at Fonplegade – perched on the limestone that is home to Saint-Emilion’s finest vineyards – since the 16th century. And although the Chateau was included in the original 1955 classification of Grand Cru status, quality has shot even further upward since the estate was acquired by Denise and Stephen Adams in 2004. Their changes have been pioneering. First and foremost, they led the charge to handle the vineyards via biodynamic principles – the ultra-level beyond organic farming that has caught on through much of the wine world though is not as common in Bordeaux.
Tasting notes: A fine texture with rich tannins and powerful structure give this wine its richness. The wine, under the ownership of Californians Denise and Stephen Adams, is concentrated and juicy, super ripe, a sign of the high proportion of Merlot in the blend, and full-bodied.
ORGANIC & BIODYNAMIC
Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Franc
Background: Folks have been making wine at Fonplegade – perched on the limestone that is home to Saint-Emilion’s finest vineyards – since the 16th century. And although the Chateau was included in the original 1955 classification of Grand Cru status, quality has shot even further upward since the estate was acquired by Denise and Stephen Adams in 2004. Their changes have been pioneering. First and foremost, they led the charge to handle the vineyards via biodynamic principles – the ultra-level beyond organic farming that has caught on through much of the wine world though is not as common in Bordeaux.
Tasting notes: A fine texture with rich tannins and powerful structure give this wine its richness. The wine, under the ownership of Californians Denise and Stephen Adams, is concentrated and juicy, super ripe, a sign of the high proportion of Merlot in the blend, and full-bodied.
ORGANIC & BIODYNAMIC
Chateau Fonplegade St. Emilion Grand Cru 2019
SICFON18
Chateau Fonplegade St. Emilion Grand Cru 2018
Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion
Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Franc
Background: Folks have been making wine at Fonplegade – perched on the limestone that is home to Saint-Emilion’s finest vineyards – since the 16th century. And although the Chateau was included in the original 1955 classification of Grand Cru status, quality has shot even further upward since the estate was acquired by Denise and Stephen Adams in 2004. Their changes have been pioneering. First and foremost, they led the charge to handle the vineyards via biodynamic principles – the ultra-level beyond organic farming that has caught on through much of the wine world though is not as common in Bordeaux.
Tasting notes: This well-balanced wine is ripe, with dense black fruits shot through with age worthy tannins. Poised and already offering fruitiness and ripeness built for long-term aging, this wine will be ready from 2026.
ORGANIC & BIODYNAMIC
Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Franc
Background: Folks have been making wine at Fonplegade – perched on the limestone that is home to Saint-Emilion’s finest vineyards – since the 16th century. And although the Chateau was included in the original 1955 classification of Grand Cru status, quality has shot even further upward since the estate was acquired by Denise and Stephen Adams in 2004. Their changes have been pioneering. First and foremost, they led the charge to handle the vineyards via biodynamic principles – the ultra-level beyond organic farming that has caught on through much of the wine world though is not as common in Bordeaux.
Tasting notes: This well-balanced wine is ripe, with dense black fruits shot through with age worthy tannins. Poised and already offering fruitiness and ripeness built for long-term aging, this wine will be ready from 2026.
ORGANIC & BIODYNAMIC
Chateau Fonplegade St. Emilion Grand Cru 2018
SICADP
Aromes De Pavie St, Emilion Grand Cru 2017
Region: St. Emilion, France
Grape Variety: Merlot, Cabernet France and Cabernet Sauvignon
Critics Tasting Notes: James Suckling April 2018 "A firm and elegant red with very pretty dark berries, dark chocolate and mineral undertones. Round tannins. Medium to full bodied, racy and fine. Juicy. Second wine of Pavie."
>Wine Advocate April 2018 "There was no frost in this vineyard in 2017, due to its elevation. Blended 65% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon from the young vines of Pavie, the 2017 Aromes de Pavie is very deep purple-black in colour with an incredibly open, spicy nose with a core of baked plums, blackberry pie and dark chocolate with touches of putpourri, black olives and Indian spices plus a waft of damp soil. Full-bodied, firm and velvety, its packed with black fruits and spice layers, fisnihing long and opulent."
Critics Scores:
James Suckling 92-93 Points
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 91-93 Points
Bordeaux Index 91-92 Points
Neal Martin 87-89 Points
Grape Variety: Merlot, Cabernet France and Cabernet Sauvignon
Critics Tasting Notes: James Suckling April 2018 "A firm and elegant red with very pretty dark berries, dark chocolate and mineral undertones. Round tannins. Medium to full bodied, racy and fine. Juicy. Second wine of Pavie."
>Wine Advocate April 2018 "There was no frost in this vineyard in 2017, due to its elevation. Blended 65% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon from the young vines of Pavie, the 2017 Aromes de Pavie is very deep purple-black in colour with an incredibly open, spicy nose with a core of baked plums, blackberry pie and dark chocolate with touches of putpourri, black olives and Indian spices plus a waft of damp soil. Full-bodied, firm and velvety, its packed with black fruits and spice layers, fisnihing long and opulent."
Critics Scores:
James Suckling 92-93 Points
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 91-93 Points
Bordeaux Index 91-92 Points
Neal Martin 87-89 Points
Aromes De Pavie St, Emilion Grand Cru 2017
SICTM
Chat, Troplong Mondot St, Emilion Grand Cru 2014
Region: St. Emilion, France
Grape Varieties: 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: Dark fruits like black cherry and plum are highlighted and often accompanied by notes of chocolate, coffee and spice. Velvety texture, dense fruit and firm tannins with a balance of power and elegance. This wine has a good ability to age gracefully, to develop its further complexity and nuances over times.
Food Pairing: Chateau Troplong Mondot pairs exceptionally well with red meats such as beef and lamb, game and rich, flavourful dishes. Its structure and fruit also make it a good match for hearty fish courses like tuna and even some Asian dishes.
Critic Scores:
Antonion Galloni (Vinous) - 96 Points
Jeb Dunnuck - 96 Points
James Suckling - 95 Points
Wine Advocate - 94
James Lawther (Decanter) - 91 Points
VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY
Grape Varieties: 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: Dark fruits like black cherry and plum are highlighted and often accompanied by notes of chocolate, coffee and spice. Velvety texture, dense fruit and firm tannins with a balance of power and elegance. This wine has a good ability to age gracefully, to develop its further complexity and nuances over times.
Food Pairing: Chateau Troplong Mondot pairs exceptionally well with red meats such as beef and lamb, game and rich, flavourful dishes. Its structure and fruit also make it a good match for hearty fish courses like tuna and even some Asian dishes.
Critic Scores:
Antonion Galloni (Vinous) - 96 Points
Jeb Dunnuck - 96 Points
James Suckling - 95 Points
Wine Advocate - 94
James Lawther (Decanter) - 91 Points
VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY
Chat, Troplong Mondot St, Emilion Grand Cru 2014