Ripe plum in colour, skilful winemaking that combines fresh cool-vintage fruit character with a tingle of pummice-stone minerality and grip. Climbs through the palate with lemongrass, slate, orange zest, fine tannins and a juicy signoff. Enjoyable, still signposting the fresh acidities of the year, but with depth to the flavour, and it sits within the estate signature. One to recommend. Owners Stephen and Denise Adams.

Incense, espresso, spice, herbs and red fruits make an appearance in the nose. On the medium-bodied palate, the wine is supple, creamy, round and fresh with layers of ripe, plums and dark, red cherries with a hint of sea salt and a refreshing edge of chocolate mint that comes in at the end of the finish. This is quite strong for the vintage. Drink from 2024-2038.

(93+ points) The 2021 Fonplégade is a very pretty, delicate Saint-Émilion. Silky, aromatic and medium in body, the 2021 is classy from start to finish. Spice, menthol, tobacco, mocha and dried herbs open gradually in the glass. In this tasting, the 2021 comes across a bit clenched in feel. -- Antonio Galloni

Smoked herbs, spices and a hint of lanolin cream to the red berries and plums. Generous but juicy on the palate with a medium body and silky tannins. Pretty long and flattering finish. Plenty of wood here but it should come together better in two more years. Try in 2025. - Zekun Shuai

From a beautiful terroir on the hillside just outside of Saint-Emilion, the 2021 Château Fonplégade is based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc raised in a mix of cask, concrete, and amphora. Cassis, spring flowers, ripe strawberries, and hints of tobacco all emerge from this medium-bodied, supple, layered, incredibly impressive 2021. I love its mid-palate, and it has present yet perfectly ripe tannins and outstanding length.

Perfumed and scented on the nose with cocoa powder too. Dark and savoury on the palate, the fruit more blackcurrant, plum and damson with clear liquorice spicing throughout the palate. The texture is appealing as is the minerality at the back of the throat but this stop a little short or rather just lacks a little persistence in terms of weight. But good direction and long aerial finish.