Clos Fourtet (Futures Pre-sale) 2010

"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.
Barrel Sample: 95-97 Points "

97 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Very dense wine, the dusty tannins floating through the black plum flavors. It's rich, concentrated, complex, with a great depth of flavor. This will always be powerful, while already balanced.
Barrel Sample: 94-96 Points "

96 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"Beautifully polished, with rounded enticing blueberry, raspberry and black cherry fruit that all glides through the spice-tinged finish. Suave and very long, with the structure already embedded.
Barrel Sample: 92-95 Points "

95 Points

Wine Spectator

"A beautiful wine, with everything in the bottle. Blackberries, minerals and blueberries. Full and silky. Long, long finish.
Barrel Sample: 93-94 Points "

94 Points

James Suckling