Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Fonplegade opens with a very savory nose of smoked meats, tapenade, sautéed herbs and beef drippings over a core of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and cedar chest plus wafts of violets and cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses both intensity and elegance, with the black fruit layers superbly framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

Tight and layered with beautiful fruit here. Full and chewy. Lots going on here. Interested to see its evolution. Velvety and rich. From organically grown grapes. - March 2017

Lots of energy here, with a wide range of loganberry, acai and blackberry fruit flavors pumping along, backed by licorice snap and sweet spice accents. Has some heft, but this is vivid throughout as it relies on purity and a nice mineral underpinning. Strong showing. - James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, April 2017)

The 2016 Fonplégade has been impressive on all three occasions I have tasted it so far. Deep, fleshy and super-expressive, but not at all heavy or overdone, the 2016 captures all the best qualities of the vintage. Bright acids and beams of tannin give considerable energy, and yet it is the wine's balance that stands out most. Ripe red cherry, blood orange, mint, flowers and exotic spice notes all develop in the glass. The 2016 is a terrific Fonplegade. The blend is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The Adamses employ a bevy of consultants, including Michel Rolland and Stéphane Derenoncourt's team. Tasted three times. - vinous.com, April 2017

The 2016 Fonplegade, Stephen and Denise Adams' property in Saint Emilion, has a tightly wound bouquet at first, so much so that I afforded it ten minutes to unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm grip on the entry. This is a more opaque Saint Emilion compared to others, although I like the balance and the weight/concentration towards the muscular finish. There is much more backbone here compared to the 2015 but I also discern more control and precision. This is probably a wine that is going to require a few years in bottle, but it should be worth that wait. - Wine Advocate #230, April 2017

First sample tasted in London: Very dark purple. Rather high in VA. But very plush start and a dry end. The sample was taken two weeks ago which may have been earlier than ideal. (16, Drink 2022-2032)
Second sample in St-Émilion: much better and more harmonious and fluid. Well balanced and charming with juice and undertow of interest. Drink 2023-2036. - jancisrobinson.com, April 2017