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Clos Fourtet
The Winery
Clos Fourtet
Located in the medieval section of Saint-Emilion, Clos Fourtet is a Merlot-dominant estate of Premier Grand Cru Classe. Their wine is known to be complex with layered notes of elegant ripe berry fruit. Founded in the 18th Century, Clos Fourtet was referred to as Camp Fourtet or Camfourtet in the Middle Ages, and was a fort built to protect the town of Saint-Emilion. With several changes of ownership throughout the centuries, the estate landed in the hands of the Cuvelier family, owners of Chateau Poujeaux in Moulis-en-Medoc, in 2001. Their 50-acre vineyard is planted to mostly Merlot with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc on the clay limestone soils. Along with their critic-pleasing grand vin, the estate releases La Closerie de Fourtet as a third of their production with more economical pricing.
Tasting Notes
- WA95
- Having just had the 2003 and 2005 from my cellar, I can attest to the magnificent turnaround in quality this famous estate on the eastern side of St.-Emilion has achieved. All of it is attributable to its dynamic proprietor, Philippe Cuvelier. The 2012 Clos Fourtet (usually 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc) has beautiful blackberry and blueberry fruit and an inky purple color. With flawless integration of acidity, tannin, wood and alcohol, a full-bodied mouthfeel and stunning richness, this is impressive and certainly one of the vintage`s top wines. It should evolve beautifully for 15-20 years, and be drinkable in 3-4. Yields were a modest 32 hectoliters per hectare with the alcohol at 14%.
- V95
- The 2012 Clos Fourtet is deep, fleshy and quite seductive. Sweet red cherry, plum, dried flowers, sage and rosemary flesh out in a pretty, gracious Clos Fourtet that offers lovely balance to match its mid-weight, restrained personality. This is a lovely showing, and a wine that should drink well with minimal cellaring. The 2012 preserves lovely freshness, but it should also drink well with minimal cellaring. There is plenty to admire, that much is sure. The 2012 is 86% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc that spent 18 months in French oak, 60% new.
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