Clos Fourtet 1er Grand Cru Classe, Saint Emilion 2022
Varietal: 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2022 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Clos Fourtet
Description:
The uniqueness of Clos Fourtet, Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé, is that it qualifies as a closed vineyard. In a constant quest for excellence, Clos Fourtet and the Cuvelier family practise sustainable agriculture that respects the balance of nature. A benchmark among the great wines of Saint-Émilion, Clos Fourtet 2022 comes from a 22-hectare vineyard. With an average age of 35 years, the vines are planted on clay-limestone soils typical of Saint-Émilion.
Following approval from the INAO, this 2022 vintage marks the merger of two historically linked properties belonging to the Cuvelier family, Clos Fourtet and Château Les Grandes Murailles, under the single name of Clos Fourtet. Heir to the "Camp Fortet," which provided military protection for the main entrance to the town during the Hundred Years' War, Clos Fourtet backs onto the emblematic façade of the "Grandes Murailles," the only remaining visible echo of the former Dominican convent. Since acquiring Château Les Grandes Murailles in 2013, the Cuvelier family has been investing heavily in the plots of its two estates, to ensure the implementation of sustainable, precision viticulture, giving rise to wines of seductive balance and finesse.
96-98/100 Points
Vinous
The 2022 Clos Fourtet is fabulous. Rich, sensual and layered, the 2022 bristles with the energy found in the best wines of the year. Clean veins of minerality frame a core of red/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, mint, rose petal and mocha. S imply put, the 2022 is a magical Clos Fourtet.
97/100 Points
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.comVivid damson plum colour, medium to full intensity, toasted pine nuts and liquorice on the opening beats, still firm tannins and a ton of wet stone-tinged tannins, slate, pumice stone, texture and slow progression through the palate. Smoked caramel and cocoa bean add luscious sense of joy. This is a beautiful wine. Owner Matieu Cuvelier.
96-98/100 Points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine IndependentDeep garnet-purple in colour, the 2022 Clos Fourtet comes barrelling out of the glass with profound notes of ripe, juicy black plums, boysenberry preserves, and Morello cherries, followed by suggestions of lilacs, clove oil, crushed rocks, and wood smoke. The full-bodied palate is rich and concentrated, with densely laden black and blue fruit layers offset by a zippy backbone and firm, rounded tannins, finishing with great persistence.
Tasting Note:
Colour: The colour is garnet with purple highlights.
Nose: The nose is complex, releasing the aromatic intensity of grapes harvested at optimal ripeness.
Palate: Ample and elegant on the palate, with a delicious freshness, dense tannins and a creamy feel.
Food Matches: Red Meat / Venison / Soft Cheese / Venison
