| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Clos Fourtet
A strong effort, the 2008 was made from tiny yields of 28.5 hectoliters per hectare, and attained 14% natural alcohol. It reveals sweet licorice, black currant and blackberry fruit notes intermixed with truffle and asphalt characteristics in its pure, rich, opulent, full-bodied personality. One of the finest St.-Emilions of the vintage, it is far more accessible than the 2010 and should continue to drink well for 15-20 years.
The 2008 Clos Fourtet has a tightly wound bouquet with raspberry, cranberry and light tertiary aromas, a touch of bell pepper in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin. This Clos Fourtet boasts impressive body, almost sinewy in style, a backward 2008 Saint Émilion from Mathieu Cuvelier although I was smitten by its persistent spicy aftertaste. It clearly deserves a couple more years in bottle. One to watch carefully. 2021 - 2045
Although oak is very obvious the richness of the fruit wins through. Fleshy damson and blackberry are well balanced by fresher raspberry all adding to the complexity. Towards the back powerful flavours enrich.
The harvest ran from October 9-20, and the 2008 Clos Fourtet tips the scales at 13% natural alcohol. A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, it exhibits an inky/purple color along with notes of pen ink, blackberry liqueur, and espresso roast, sensationally concentrated layers of pure black fruits, a full-bodied, powerful style, crisp acids, dense fruit, and ripe tannins. This brilliant 2008 may merit an even higher score after additional time in wood. It will evolve for 20-25 years.The resurrection of Clos Fourtet over the last 7-8 years is attributable to the vision and dedication of proprietor Cuvelier, along with his manager, Tony Balu (owner of the tiny garagiste estate called Pierre de Lune), and the incomparable consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt.
Tasted ex-château and single blind in Southwold. The Clos Fourtet 2008 has a ripe blackberry and raspberry scented bouquet with a touch alcoholic warmth. The palate is sweet and chewy on the entry, rather tart acidity with a slightly pinched on the finish, however, there is good weight of fruit underneath and I feel this just needs several years to meld together. Tasted January 2012.
