Clos Fourtet 2009

"This is a perennial superstar thanks to the efforts of proprietor Philippe Cuvelier and the estate’s manager, Tony Ballu. This beautifully-situated, nearly 48-acre vineyard, high on the clay and deep limestone plateau just adjacent to the town walls of St.-Emilion, was harvested between September 28 and October 13, with yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare. The natural alcohol turned out to be 14%. A magical wine, it may have a hard time eclipsing the 2005, but it is another prodigious effort in its own right. The dense purple color offers up notes of white chocolate, blueberry, blackberry, crushed rock, and white flowers. Textured, full-bodied, enormously pure, and voluptuously textured, it is nearly too easy to drink because of the exquisite balance and seamless integration of all its component parts. This is a killer Clos Fourtet that should drink well young yet evolve for 20+ years.
Barrel Sample: 95-98 Points"

98 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Elegant as well as rich, this is a beautiful wine. It as great depth of flavor, the sweetest fruit, deliciously ripe. At the same time, the tannins are an underlying sustenance to the impressive ageworthiness."

95 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"Rather ripe, but nicely framed by singed apple wood, which keeps the core of damson plum, black currant and black cherry flavors at bay for now. Licorice root and black tea notes undercut the finish, which is on the grippy side. This opens steadily in the glass, too. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2027."

93 Points

Wine Spectator

"Dark purple-ruby with inky highlights. Blackberry and cedar aromas pick up a pretty floral note with air. Rich, ripe and creamy, this very smooth wine offers black fruit, cedar and spicy oak flavors of moderate concentration and complexity. Well-made but doesn't quite come alive today. Finishes with red berry and floral nuances, a trace of alcoholic warmth and youthfully assertive tannins that will require plenty of patience.
Barrel Sample: 88-91 Points "

91 Points

International Wine Cellar