2010 Clos Fourtet, St-Emilion (1.5L) (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1066835 95-97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Although this superb 2010 is built differently, it is as impressive as the extravagant 2009 and the prodigious 2005. A blend of 85% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc made from yields of 31 hectoliters per hectare, with 14.5% natural alcohol, Stephane Derenoncourt is the consulting winemaker. One can not say enough about what proprietor Philippe Cuvelier has accomplished at Clos Fourtet over the last decade turning a perennial underachiever into one of the great wines of Bordeaux. Production from this 50-acre vineyard is nearly 4,000 cases. The inky/purple-hued 2010 displays a beautiful bouquet of incense, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, licorice and camphor. Full-bodied and opulent with more tannin and glycerin than the massive 2009, the 2010, while less sumptuous than the 2009, is a huge effort that is undoubtedly capable of lasting 30+ years. (5/ 2011)

95 points Wine Spectator

Very winey, with a saturated, sappy feel as kirsch, blackberry preserves and blueberry coulis notes tumble around, while the frame of charcoal, smoldering tobacco and licorice root keeps them penned together. The tannin structure is significant, but very refined, and that should carry this through extended cellaring while the aromatics and midpalate develop harmony. Best from 2016 through 2030. (3/ 2013)

93-94 points James Suckling

A beautiful wine, with everything in the bottle. Blackberries, minerals and blueberries. Full and silky. Long, long finish. (4/ 2011)

94 points Wine Enthusiast

This chunky, fruity wine is full bodied and rich. It shows all the structure and weight of the vintage allied to ripe black fruits and a dense texture edged with minerality. Still very firm and youthful, it will need many years to mature. (3/ 2013)

Jancis Robinson

Very dark, lustrous crimson. Very interesting and intriguing nose with, already, many layers. Toast, orange peel, lustrous sheen, something akin to coconut milk (but not the cheap sheen of too-obvious American oak). Very winning and engaging. Breadth and length. Dry but not drying finish. Very vital on the finish - and long too. (4/ 2011)