2018 Clos Fourtet
By Chateau Clos Fourtet
2018 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
The epoch of Bordeaux is marked by vintages that stand the test of time, and the 2018 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet is a testament to this legacy. This particular year presented vigneron an opulent canvas akin to the sun-drenched, storied terroir of Saint-Émilion. It is within this bucolic landscape that the 2018 vintage found its voice.
A Vintage Distinct in Poise and Composition
The year 2018 in Saint-Émilion was marked by climatic generosity, with a spring that tested the winemakers' resolve followed by a summer that bestowed ample sunshine and optimal conditions for ripening. The fruit harvested was impeccable, allowing Chateau Clos Fourtet to craft a vintage that encapsulates the epitome of balance and structure.
The assemblage of this vintage—predominantly Merlot with dashes of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc—brings forth a symphony of deep plum and black cherry aromas intermingled with subtle earthy undertones. It's a profile that reflects both the might and finesse of its provenance.
Ripe for Investment: 2018 Clos Fourtet's Promise
For astute investors seeking to diversify their portfolio with wines of impeccable pedigree, the 2018 Clos Fourtet emerges as an articulate expression. Its poised tannins hint at longevity yet also enchant with accessibility in their early years. The meticulous vinification practices at Chateau Clos Fourtet have established this wine as one of commendable stature within the sophisticated circles of wine investment.
The palate resonates with layers that unravel gracefully—a judicious melding of ripe blackberry, seasoned oak, and hints of graphite. This harmonious blend assures that the 2018 vintage bears the intrinsic qualities sought by collectors: complexity, elegance, and ageing potential.
In closing, one's cellar is seldom complete without representations from Saint-Émilion's illustrious slopes. As one weaves through the constellation of fine vintages, the 2018 Clos Fourtet undeniably presents itself as a star amongst celestial peers—a sanguine addition for both connoisseur and investor alike.
Current market price
$1,650.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
58.24
Scores and tasting notes
Dark plum and boysenberry fruit is laced with tobacco and chalk notes, while the fleshy grip slowly builds through the finish. This is seriously long, and though the fruit is gorgeous, the minerality steals the show in the end.—J.M.
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Clos Fourtet (a blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Franc) opens with wonderfully pure, intense black fruit notes of ripe blackberries, crushed black cherries and warm plums, leading to suggestions of pencil lead, clove oil, black olives and aniseed. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of muscular black fruits, delivering compelling vivacity and tension, framed by velvety tannins and finishing epically long and perfumed. The intense, bright, energetic fruit on this 2018 has been impeccably preserved. Stunning!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
Easily as good as the 2015 at this estate, the 2018 may even prove to be better after some ageing. There is depth and concentration to the berry fruits, but also a fine quality to the tannins and a softness overall that suggests nothing was pushed, that all of this power is simply what was naturally given by the vintage. It's very good quality, true to the confidence of the estate, pulsating with rich raspberry and damson notes and playing between a seductive gourmet edge and maintaining its limestone freshness. I have enjoyed a number of older vintages of this wine recently, and I feel pretty sure that this will grow into one of those wines that you are so happy to open after a few decades of ageing. 33hl/ha yield. 60% new oak.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
This is one of the best wines I have had from here. Full-bodied yet focused and super dynamic. Tight and linear with fantastic length and energy at the end. Exciting.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Clos Fourtet is a little youthfully mute to begin. With coaxing, it opens out to notes of crushed blackberries, warm black plums and wild blueberries plus suggestions of forest floor, lavender, baking spices and potpourri. Full-bodied, the palate has an amazing texture of soft, plush tannins and oodles of freshness supporting the layer upon layer of berries and spices, finishing long and fragrant. Total time in barrel should run 16 months in 60% new and 40% one-year old barriques. The blend is 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Franc.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
One of the wines of the vintage, the 2018 Clos Fourtet is positively stunning. In the glass, the 2018 sizzles with tension and energy. A whole range of floral, mineral and red berry notes develop, but it is the wine's exceptional sense of harmony that leaves the deepest impression. Consulting winemakers Stéphane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet turned out a glorious Clos Fourtet in 2018. Don't miss it. The blend is 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. Tasted three times.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019