2012 Clos Fourtet
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Clos Fourtet was picked October 9 to 17 at 36 hl/ha. It is a wine that has been a bit variable over the years, though this is a better example. It is very lively on the nose, with scents of blueberry, raspberry and orange pith, a subtle note of mint coming through with time. It opens beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with hints of dark chocolate and espresso, plenty of dark berry fruit and a keen thread of acidity. There's good substance, though not a tannic Clos Fourtet. This is drinking extremely well right now and is certainly better than the bottle at the 10-Years-On tasting. Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
An opening punch of clove and turmeric spice, this is gourmet and enticing, with velvety tannins that are softly layered upon each other, buidling slowly through the palate to cradle the fruit. Waves of grilled cedar, campfire smoke, black cherry conserve, salted cracker and oyster shell salinity, moreish and irresistable. Beginning to melt and show its gentle side, this is great to drink now with a carafe, but can wait. 60% new oak. Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants.
The 2012 Clos Fourtet has an alluring, almost Grenache-like bouquet, very pure with macerated red cherries, camphor, strawberry pastilles, mocha and a dab of marmalade. Fully mature, though the oak is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit and fine acidity, though a little too lactic for my liking with a smear of dark chocolate on the finish suggesting some heavy-handed oak. I have had much more positive experiences with recent vintages. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
Tasted blind. Modest perfume and definite sweetness. Furry finish. Exaggerated style has not aged well. (JR)
About the producer
The Cuvelier family took over Clos Fourtet in 2001 and modernised the estate – renovating the winery and undertaking significant replanting. Its 18.5 hectares sit on the limestone plateau.