2012 Clos Fourtet
By Chateau Clos Fourtet
2012 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
The esteemed 2012 vintage of Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet emerges as a dark horse in Saint-Émilion's opulent history. Blossoming under the guidance of the Cuvelier family and technical director, Tony Ballu, this vintage reflects both the heritage of its terroir and the innovative spirit propelling Bordeaux wines into modernity.
Valiant Vintage: Precision amid Challenge
The season preceding this harvest was a vigneron’s vignette of climatic trials - yet amidst adversity, brilliance was borne. The cooler spring slowed vine vigor, which when married to an arid end to the growing season, yielded berries of concentrated intensity - a constrained yet exuberant symphony of red and black fruit notes, laced with an enticing florality unique to this year's reprieve.
Tasting Notes: A Reflective Dance on the Palate
A glass of the 2012 Clos Fourtet beguiles with intricate perfumes wafting ripe plums and incipient tertiary echoes of tobacco and nuanced leather. Upon tasting, one discerns the poised equilibrium attained from precise vinification - supple tannins cradle sumptuous fruit layers while respectful oak usage imparts a discernible yet sympathetic spice. Optimal harvest decisions are evident as every sip delivers composure; freshness dovetails opulence suggesting cellaring potential is eminent.
Investment Merit: A Connoisseur's Consideration
For our fine wine investors, this vintage defines itself within your portfolios with grace. Reflective of a challenging year, deftly navigated by Chateau Clos Fourtet's seasoned expertise, it is one to watch as maturity unveils further complexities over time.
In summation, the 2012 offering from Chateau Clos Fourtet bestows a narrative of resilience through its warm expression, ably demonstrating that even in less heralded years, Saint-Émilion can deliver performances of inspiring stature. It is assuredly one for the astute investor, capturing a snapshot in time where challenge begets beauty and composure in the glass.
Current market price
$1,370.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
54.67
Scores and tasting notes
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%.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2015
The 2012 Clos Fourtet was cropped at 32 hectoliters per hectare and achieved 14% natural alcohol. The final blend was 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. It offers an opaque dense purple color along with attractive blackberry, licorice, truffle and cassis fruit notes. It is full-bodied and dense with an authoritative mid-palate, sweet tannin and a layered mouthfeel that builds incrementally into a stunningly long finish. Precocious and charming already, it will drink better at an earlier age than the massive, prodigious 2009. Drink this killer St.-Emilion over the next 15+ years. One can't say enough about proprietor Cuvelier's 50-acre vineyard that has witnessed a profound transformation of quality over the last decade or more. Moreover, Cuvelier recently purchased three neighboring estates that are consistently reviewed positively in this publication, Les Grandes Murailles, Clos St.-Martin and Cote Baleau. These were previously owned by Sophie Fourcade. Interestingly, since these three properties are adjacent or close to Clos Fourtet, I would not be surprised if over the next decade they become incorporated into Clos Fourtet. Another great success for Cuvelier and his estate manager, Tony Ballu.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206
This is a wine with layers of fruit and firm yet polished tannins. Full body, juicy and rich. It shows outstanding depth for the vintage.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2013