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98
/ 100
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97
/ 100
Tasting Notes
Clos Fourtet stands as one of the true jewels of Saint-Émilion, with a rich history and a privileged terroir. The estate traces its origins to the ‘Camp Fortet,’ a fortified military outpost that once protected the western entrance of Saint-Émilion during the Hundred Years’ War. Today, its 20-hectare vineyard is planted as a single, uninterrupted block on the elevated slopes of western Saint-Émilion—an enviable location that contributes to the finesse and precision of its wines. Since the establishment of the Saint-Émilion classification in 1956, Clos Fourtet has consistently held its place among the elite Premiers Grands Crus Classés.
In 2001, the estate entered a new chapter when Philippe Cuvelier acquired it and passed day-to-day management to his son, Matthieu. Together, the Cuvelier family has spent the last two decades carefully nurturing the estate’s exceptional terroir and refining its expression in the wines. One of Clos Fourtet’s most remarkable features lies hidden beneath the vines: an expansive, 13-hectare network of underground limestone caves, stretching 6 to 12 metres below the surface. This natural cellar breathes with fresh air, creating a unique microclimate that is perfectly suited for the slow, gentle ageing of wine. The result is a style marked by aromatic clarity, purity of fruit, and impeccable balance—an authentic reflection of Clos Fourtet’s extraordinary heritage and geology.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Classification: Red
Variety: Cabernet Blend
Vintage: 2024
Bottle Size: 750ml (Bottle)
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion
Alcohol %: 13.0%
Cellaring: 15 Plus Years
Scores
98 / 100"Clos Fourtet stands as the undeniable flagship of Saint-Émilion in 2024. Harsh weather condition did nothing to diminish its innate elegance. Lean in, a cool herbal note – reminiscent of Changbai fir – rises from the glass, then slowly and unhurriedly spreads its freshness and clarity across the entire sky. This ethereal lift is shaped in part by 10% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate, the chalky tannins from the limestone plateau and a sea-salt-like salinity come together to form a picture that is minimalist in style yet rich in texture. It’s as if salted milk had seeped into the cracks of the limestone, leaving behind warmth and quiet grace. This is the wine I longed to find in 2024: forged in hardship, and utterly magnificent. - Alexandre Ma"
- Alexandre Ma
97 / 100
"What freshness, depth, and purity in the bouquet of Clos Fourtet. It reveals itself with delicacy and subtlety through many facets. The wine has muscle and flesh, which it owes to its terroir and the patience with which the grapes were harvested to achieve a good level of maturity and concentration. The wine acts on several levels, combining suave, saline, tender, and incisive aspects. The result is a wine that expresses its terroir, highlights its grandeur, and finishes with brilliance, elegance, and persistence. A hedonistic wine that can be enjoyed young and much older. A Bordeaux wine! 2029-2049 - Yves Beck"
- Yves Beck