1995 Clos Fourtet
By Chateau Clos Fourtet
1995 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
The 1995 vintage in Saint-Émilion was one that combined the rigor of nature's challenges with the dexterity of man's intervention, yielding captivating results in the hands of fine vintners. Among these triumphs, the 1995 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet stands as a dark-horse entrant in the ever-competitive race of Bordeaux's prestige.
A Vintage Shaped by Clime and Time
The distinctive character of the 1995 Clos Fourtet owes much to that year's climatic paradox: a summer that played a game of two halves. An initially hot, dry spell gave way to cooler, wetter conditions as harvest approached. Yet, Chateau Clos Fourtet managed to harness this meteorological seesaw to craft a vintage with exceptional balance—ripe yet structured, robust yet refined.
Intoxicating Complexity
Tasting the 1995 Clos Fourtet now reveals an intoxicating complexity; it is a wine that has evolved gracefully over nearly three decades in bottle. Its bouquet unfurls with an elegant symphony of black truffle and cigar box accents, juxtaposed against persistent dark fruit undertones. On the palate, the convergence of supple tannins and vibrant acidity bestows upon us a seamless integration of flavour and texture—a testament to discreet but skilled oenological craftsmanship from Chateau Clos Fourtet.
A wise investment in any fine wine portfolio, this particular offering from Chateau Clos Fourtet provides an opportunity to acquire a consummate example of mature Saint-Émilion that continues to resonate with depth and maturity. With decades-spanning longevity, the 1995 Clos Fourtet is entwined with Saint-Émilion's terroir majesty and the admirable ænological narrative unique to this storied year.
In concluding remarks on this noble yield from Chateau Clos Fourtet, I encourage connoisseurs and investors alike to contemplate not just the ratio of pleasure per pound but also the cultural tapestry imbued within each bottle of 1995 Clos Fourtet—a vintage singularly defined by its endurance and allure.
Current market price
$1,350.00
12x75cl
Highest score
88
POP score
101.25
Scores and tasting notes
A very fine effort from Clos Fourtet, the 1995 exhibits a medium dark plum color, followed by sweet black cherry and kirsch fruit intertwined with minerals and toasty oak. Tightly wound on the palate, with medium body, excellent delineation and purity, and a spicy finish with plenty of grip, this example has closed down considerably since bottling, but it does possess excellent sweetness and depth. However, the tannin is more elevated, so this 1995 will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 February 1998
A deep brick rim with some mahogany hues tincturing the core. The bouquet is certainly a different creature to the later vintages: less oaky, leather, a little more herbaceous, a touch of bay leaf and black pepper. There is an odd scent of glue that develops after 15 minutes in the glass. Certainly more attractive than the '90 Clos Fourtet and yet the finish never really delivers, lacking the weight that the vintage offered, a little leathery and peppery with a very foursquare, almost dour, pointed finish. A bit ordinary. Drink now-2010. Tasted July 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Nov 2008