Clos Fourtet 2021
• Domaine: Clos Fourtet
• Appellation: Saint-Emilion
• Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé B
• Origin: Right Bank, Bordeaux, France
Château Clos Fourtet is a Saint-Émilion Grand Crus Classé estate that bases its entire philosophy on using the least intervention possible to express the fullest intricacies of its terroir. Limestone is what dominates the rich soils of the sprawling grounds here, and it is an integral facet of the winemaking process. If one is fortunate enough to visit the estate, they will notice a vast sprawling network of underground caves made of the very limestone that provides nutrients to the vines. These caves are the perfect natural cellar, ageing the grand vin to perfection. There is a distinctive mineral quality and subtle finesse that is a signature characteristic of this Right Bank region. Without a doubt, Château Clos Fourtet produces classic and fresh expressions of Saint-Émilion, perfect for any oenophile looking for a true treasure of the region.
Though this peaceful estate is a thriving winery now, that wasn’t always the case. Château Clos Fourtet was initially a defensive fort named Camfourtet. Vines only appeared at the estate in the mid to late 1600s. The property passed through the hands of some of the most influential families in the winemaking industry throughout the ages. The Ginstets who owned Château Margaux, and even the Lurton family who ran Château Cheval Blanc owned the estate. Eventually the estate passed down to the Cuvellier family. The Cuvellier family hired Stephan Derenoncourt and Jean Claude Berrouet to consult at the property. Stephan Derenoncourt and Jean Claude Berrouet could not be more different. Derenoncourt is self-taught and associated with Domaine de l’A. Jean Claude Berrouet studied at the University of Bordeaux and was the winemaker at Château Pétrus. One man operates based off instinct, and the other based off his extensive technical prowess. What both share is a profound respect for the terroir here, which drives them to create beautiful wine.
Merlot is the star of the show at Château Clos Fourtet. It thrives in the mixture of limestone and clay soils. The vines are on the younger side here – around 30 years old. In addition to Merlot, there are smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon planted at the property. The winemaking team is willing to spare no expense to ensure they create the best wine possible. At Château Clos Fourtet, they implement a mixture of biodynamic and organic viticultural techniques, allowing the vineyards to do the majority of the work. The vines are harvested and then vinified in very special stainless steel tanks that are perfectly sized to match the plots from which they came from. They are aged with just a kiss of new French oak to help the wine have a bit more structure and body. The resulting wine is flawlessly integrated, mineral-laced and fresh. Château Clos Fourtet is a rich and flamboyant wine, that does require a bit of time prior to being enjoyed. One can expect the wine to unfold beautifully after 10-15 years of bottle ageing in good vintages and should decant younger vintages for 2-3 hours.
Tasting Notes
"The 2021 Clos Fourtet is a dark, imposing wine. Blackberry, gravel, scorched earth, leather, incense and clove infuse the 2021 with tons of character. This is definitely a wine from a cold year—a year lacking in sunshine. In that sense, Clos Fourtet is wonderfully expressive, as it paints a very accurate portrait of a place and a growing season. All it needs is time to soften." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (02/28/2024), Ratings: 94+
"Austere opening beats, with sculpted, savoury and understated black cherry and pomegrante fruits, subdued but with beautiful finesse and a slow build through the palate. Love the kick of oyster shell salinity on the finish, and the peony floral aromatics that keep you engaged. A reasonable yield of 40hl/h as its location again protected from frost. Clay-limestone soils. 50% new oak, 2% amphoras. The sheer class of this estate has come through more strongly after ageing, and this is a single point upscore." - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, (12/07/2023), Ratings: 94, Drink: 2026-2040
"A bend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 Clos Fourtet offers up inviting aromas of wild berries and plums mingled with hints of black truffle, violets, potpourri and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, it's lively and layered, with beautifully refined tannins, bright acids and a long, sapid finish. Harvest lasted until October 15, which shows in unusual depth and plenitude for the vintage. Tasted three times." - Willian, Kelley, The Wine Advocate, (04/29/2022), Ratings: 93-95
"Another terrific Saint-Emilion from the upper plateau, the 2021 Château Clos Fourtet is 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc that's pulled from 70% of the total production. The soils here include slightly more clay than its neighbor, Canon, and the wine is always a touch more powerful. The 2021 has 15% of the blend go through malolactic fermentation in barrel, and the élevage will span 16-18 months in 60% new oak. Dense purple-hued, with ample black fruits, roasted herbs, chocolate, and chalkiness, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a great mid-palate, ripe tannins, and one heck of a finish. It's an undeniable success that will shine in its youth yet also evolve gracefully. Tasted multiple times." - Jeb Dunnuck, (04/04/2024), Ratings: 93-95
LWIN | 1008339 |
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Stock Status | In Stock |
Appellation | Saint-Emilion |
Vintage | 2021 |
Brand | Clos Fourtet |
Shipping Weight | 3.000000 |