Clos Fourtet 2012
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Parker
Robert -
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Suckling
James
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
The Merlot at Clos Fourtet put in a great performance in this 2012 vintage, as it did in 1998. The wine was produced from fresh, healthy grapes at full ripeness. Clos Fourtet 2012 has a deep vermilion hue, an intense, already complex nose with notes of black fruits and spices coming through together with floral touches of violets and lilies. The palate is coated, silky, slightly liquorice and with a long, mineral finish.
Blend: 86% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Having just had the 2003 and 2005 from my cellar, I can attest to the magnificent turnaround in quality this famous estate on the eastern side of St.-Emilion has achieved. All of it is attributable to its dynamic proprietor, Philippe Cuvelier. The 2012 Clos Fourtet (usually 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc) has beautiful blackberry and blueberry fruit and an inky purple color. With flawless integration of acidity, tannin, wood and alcohol, a full-bodied mouthfeel and stunning richness, this is impressive and certainly one of the vintage's top wines. It should evolve beautifully for 15-20 years, and be drinkable in 3-4. Yields were a modest 32 hectoliters per hectare with the alcohol at 14%.
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Wine Enthusiast
Powerful and concentrated, this is a firmly textured wine with a dark, solid, dense character. The palate balances fine acidity and fruit with a dark, brooding structure.
Barrel Sample: 93-95 Points -
Wine Spectator
Gorgeous, with a pure, unadorned violet aroma giving way to very ripe and stylish plum, boysenberry and blackberry fruit. Offers a suave mouthfeel, with anise and tobacco hints filling the background. A finely stitched chalk note extends the finish. Not shy on depth, and sneakily long. Best from 2017 through 2030.
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James Suckling
A silky and shy red with blueberry and bramble berry character. Full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. It grows on the palate. Lovely tannin texture. Better in 2016.
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Clos Fourtet owes its fame to the Rulleau and Carles families. The latter were lords of Figeac. They were the first to grow vines on this barely arable land, which nevertheless has outstanding natural drainage. Clos Fourtet's old vines, perfectly balanced grape varieties, traditional winemaking methods backed up by the most modern techniques, and aging in new oak barrels in underground cellars complement all the gifts that nature has bestowed on this chateau.