88 2008 Chateau Fonplegade (Grand Cru - St. Emilion) 4/18/15 ($40)
91% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% alc
Color: Very deep garnet. (3.5) Bouquet: Cassis and blackberry fruit with cedary tannins and subtle cocoa. (3.0) Body: Excellent acidity and tannins with sufficient fruit. Astringent in the mouth. Light heavyweight. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but shows bitterness from tannin. (2.5) Finish: Long with more fruit showing than in the mouth, but astringency lingers. (2.5)
Overall: A very well put together St. Emilion with excellent structure (acidity and tannin), but needs time (2-3 years?) for the astringent tannins to calm down and let the sufficient fruit rise to the top. (14.5)
Copyright © 2006 - 2015, Paul DeRose , WineOutpost.com