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Clos Fourtet 2005

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B

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Tasting Notes

Clos Fourtet is on a roll, having produced a stunning wine in 2003, and an even more brilliant effort in 2005. Stephane Derenoncourt, the consulting oenologist, has plenty with which to work given the fact that this is a relatively large vineyard (50 acres) planted with 85% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc as well as a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. The inky/blue/purple-colored 2005 boasts an exceptional perfume of acacia flowers, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, graphite, scorched earth, and background oak. The wine possesses a full-bodied texture and abundant quantities of stunningly pure black fruits. The result is a sumptuous St.-Emilion of great concentration, intensity, and overall balance. This prodigious effort looks set for 25-30 years of evolution. Utterly awesome!

Score: 98

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2008-2038 30 April 2008

This estate has resurrected itself in a dramatic fashion thanks to the new proprietor, Monsieur Cuvelier and the hard work of his estate manager, Tony Balu, and a consulting team headed by Stephane Derenoncourt. The nearly 50-acre vineyard is planted with 85% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 6,000-case 2005 may rival the spectacular 2003, which is currently outstanding. The black/purple-hued 2005 is a wine of extraordinary intensity displaying a beautiful floral nose of licorice, blueberry, creme de cassis, scorched earth, lead pencil, and pain grille notes. Given a Burgundian-like upbringing of malolactic in barrel and five months of lees aging with frequent batonnage, this beauty reached nearly 15% natural alcohol, and boasts enormous concentration, intensity, and richness. It should turn out to be a modern day classic. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030+

Score: 94 - 96

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2030 30 April 2007

Under the guidance of its new owner, Monsieur Cuvelier, Clos Fourtet has enjoyed a dramatic renaissance. I did not think the estate could eclipse its other-worldly 2003, but the remarkable 2005 may do just that. A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is given a Burgundian-styled malolactic in barrel, and is aged 5 months on its lees with batonnage. There are 6,000 cases of the 2005, which achieved 14% natural alcohol. The striking thing about Clos Fourtet is that one can see its fabulous terroir along with great purity, and stunning nobility and complexity. Its inky/purple color is accompanied by beautiful notes of blueberries, blackberries, plums, and flowers. This full-bodied wine cascades over the palate with huge concentration, high tannin, and freshness as well as sweetness. This brilliant effort should be at its peak between 2012-2030.

Score: 94 - 96

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2030 30 April 2006

Very rich and ripe with raspberry syrup and floral aromas. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Seductive

Score: 92 - 94

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 January 1900

Dark purplish crimson. Healthy glow. Savoury oak dominates fruit on the nose. Lots of colour intensity and real ripe fruit charm on the palate. Dry finish but sappy and appetising. 2005 energy dominates this fine-boned wine.

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2015-2028 01 January 1900