2012 Clos Fourtet, St-Emilion
SKU #1204197
95 points
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%. (RP)
(4/2015)
93-95 points
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. (RV)
(4/2013)
94 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. *Ranked #9 in Top 100 Wines of 2015, Highly Recommended* (JM)
(3/2015)
92 points
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.
(4/2015)
90-92 points
Int'l Wine Cellar
Ruby-red. Expressive aromas of raspberry, dark chocolate and sexy oak. Lush on entry, then rich, vinous and deep, displaying very good balance and rich dark fruit and herb flavors. Finishes with serious but even tannins and very good persistence. This brooding wine has real potential in the context of a tough vintage. (ID)
(6/2013)
91 points
Connoisseurs Guide
Clos Fourtet has been on a clear upswing in recent years, and this latest effort is indelibly marked by the very strong sense of deeply extracted, optimally ripened, blackcurrant fruit that has become a hallmark of the property. Although a relatively forward wine in many respects, it is most definitely built with keeping in mind, and it has the structure, the stuffing and the tannic solidity to effortlessly grow well past its tenth birthday and easily last for ten more after that. *Two Stars*
(6/2015)
91 points
Decanter
Expressive red and dark fruit nose. Palate plush, ripe and harmonious. Fresh and long on the finish. Fine grained tannins. Gets the nod over 2011. (JL)
(4/2013)
K&L Notes
95 points Antonio Galloni writes in Vinous: "The 2012 Clos Fourtet is deep, fleshy and quite seductive. Sweet red cherry, plum, dried flowers, sage and rosemary flesh out in a pretty, gracious Clos Fourtet that offers lovely balance to match its mid-weight, restrained personality. This is a lovely showing, and a wine that should drink well with minimal cellaring. The 2012 preserves lovely freshness, but it should also drink well with minimal cellaring. There is plenty to admire, that much is sure. The 2012 is 86% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc that spent 18 months in French oak, 60% new." (01/2016)
