Appellations

Clos Fourtet 2010

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B

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Tasting Notes

Although this superb 2010 is built differently, it is as impressive as the extravagant 2009 and the prodigious 2005. A blend of 85% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc made from yields of 31 hectoliters per hectare, with 14.5% natural alcohol, Stephane Derenoncourt is the consulting winemaker. One can not say enough about what proprietor Philippe Cuvelier has accomplished at Clos Fourtet over the last decade turning a perennial underachiever into one of the great wines of Bordeaux. Production from this 50-acre vineyard is nearly 4,000 cases. The inky/purple-hued 2010 displays a beautiful bouquet of incense, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, licorice and camphor. Full-bodied and opulent with more tannin and glycerin than the massive 2009, the 2010, while less sumptuous than the 2009, is a huge effort that is undoubtedly capable of lasting 30+ years.

Score: 95 - 97 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 04 May 2011

An opulent but lifted nose of pure black plums, floral notes and talc. Quite mineral with lots of black fruit. Nice balance. Attractive and stylish.

Score: 93 - 96 Albany Vintners, - Date: 29 April 2011

Deep purple in colour, the Clos Fourtet has a very opulent bouquet with lifted black fruits laced with liquorice and mint. The palate is full-bodied with a ripe, oaky entry, missing a little freshness at the moment though there is a pleasing linearity on the persistent finish. This will show much better in bottle. Tasted April 2011. (90-92+ Points)

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 27 April 2011

Very dark, lustrous crimson. Very interesting and intriguing nose with, already, many layers. Toast, orange peel, lustrous sheen, something akin to coconut milk (but not the cheap sheen of too-obvious American oak). Very winning and engaging. Breadth and length. Dry but not drying finish. Very vital on the finish - and long too.

Score: 17 - 18 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2034 Date: 14 April 2011

Outstanding effort. One of the best from this estate. Could be a great buy. Dense, round, perfumed fruit. Lovely texture and weight. Balancing freshness and long, persistent finish.

Score: 18 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2018-2040 Date: 01 April 2011

Beautifully polished, with rounded enticing blueberry, raspberry and black cherry fruit that all glides through the spice-tinged finish. Suave and very long, with the structure already embedded.

Score: 92 - 95 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 31 January 2011