Château Fonplégade, St-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé, 2012

Ripe and a little less New World than the 2011. Still some extraction. Warm, dry finish

This for me is really when you start to see the sculpting of the flavour profile of Fonplégade, and the work that the Adams have put in place beginning to pay off (the vineyard was organic by this point, receiving certification in 2013). I prefer the 2011 vintage as a general rule but here at this particular estate the 2012 is better - just has more texture and yet a lovely cooling core that makes your mouth water. Clean and precise aromatics also, really an excellent wine. 85% new oak, rest in cement eggs.