Clos Fourtet 2015
- Vintage
- 2015
- Country
- France
- Region
- Bordeaux,St Emilion
- Size
- 750ml
- Rating
- WS96, WE96, JS95, WA94+
- Grape
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Thoroughly ripe but seemingly light-footed, as a remarkably silky structure lets waves of plum sauce, blueberry reduction and raspberry puree glide through effortlessly. Light licorice, violet and ganache hints add to the finish, showing very fine chalky minerality in the background. Drink now through 2035. - WS96
Situated against the walls of Saint-Émilion, this estate is producing impressive wines like this vintage with its balance of acidity and opulent, ripe black fruits. Freshness and richness combine in this wine that has a powerful structure that will let it age for many years. Drink from 2025.- WE96
Blueberry, stone, mineral and dried-flower aromas follow through to a full body. Silky and polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Shows finesse, and polished with such sensitivity. Superb finish. Drink in 2022 but already a joy to taste. - JS95
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Clos Fourtet has lifted menthol notes on the nose over a core of chocolate-covered cherries, dried mulberries, baked plums and potpourri plus a touch of cloves. Medium-bodied and very firm with lovely ripe, fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness, it finishes long and perfumed. - WA94+
Clos Fourtet is a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux. The Merlot-dominant wine is prized for its combination of elegance with ripe berry fruit, and has long been a favorite of critics and successful at award shows.
Typically, the grand vin will see 18 months in French barriques with 60-percent new wood, and is bottled unfiltered. The second wine, La Closerie de Fourtet, is also predominantly Merlot and represents about a third of the house's production.
The 20-hectare (50-acre) vineyard is planted mostly to Merlot, with 10-percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 5-percent Cabernet Franc on clay soils over limestone. The extensive cellars are underground, cut into the limestone bedrock, giving ideal conditions for maturation.
Clos Fourtet, known as Camp Fourtet or Camfourtet in the Middle Ages, was once a fort designed to protect the town of Saint-Émilion. The sturdy walls from that period still enclose the manor house of the estate, which was built in the 18th Century, around the time winemaking commenced on the property. During the 20th Century, the estate was owned by several of the famous wine families of the region, but was bought in 2001 by the Cuvelier family, who also own Château Poujeaux. - Information from Wine Searcher