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