2019 Clos Fourtet
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Clos Fourtet was picked between September 24 and October 10 at 38 hl/ha. This has a more backward, reticent bouquet compared to the '18, coquettishly revealing black cherries and blueberry fruit, with a little more florality. The palate is medium-bodied with velvety tannins, though as I remarked before, it needs a little more precision on the finish that prompts me to be more prudent with my score. Maybe this will improve, hence the plus sign. Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2019 Clos Fourtet has a stubborn and backward bouquet with sultry black fruit, quite tertiary in style, antique bureau and woodbines. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent blackberry and blueberry fruit, maybe just a little cloying compared to its peers despite the velvety and caressing finish. One for those who like modern Saint-Émilion but it needs serious cellaring time. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
Tasted blind. Correct and classy but very reined-in. Taut finish and no opulence. But it grew in the glass. (JR)
The 2019 Clos Fourtet is another gem from the Right Bank that delivers the goods. From the upper, limestone plateau and always a bigger, richer wine than its neighbors (Canon, Beau-Séjour Bécot), it still shows incredible minerality and limestone character in its deep black cherry, currant, and mulberry fruits as well as scorched earth, chalky minerality, roasted herb, licorice, and white flower-like aromas and flavors. Rich, full-bodied, concentrated, and structured on the palate, it's flawlessly balanced, has ripe, broad, building tannins, an expansive mouthfeel, and a great, great finish. It needs a decade of bottle age, but it’s truly brilliant stuff.
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.