France
The vast and diverse wine regions of France, each with its own unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques, are a treasure trove.
In Bordeaux, the birthplace of some of the world's most iconic wines, esteemed vineyards such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Haut-Brion produce exceptional red wines, showcasing the art of blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The region is also renowned for its exquisite white wines, with vineyards like Château d'Yquem and Domaine de Chevalier producing legendary sweet wines.
Moving to Burgundy, the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Armand Rousseau capture the essence of the region's revered terroir, crafting exquisite red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. Meanwhile, Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Coche-Dury are celebrated for their world-class white wines, predominantly made from Chardonnay.
The Champagne region, known for its sparkling wines, boasts illustrious houses such as Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Moët & Chandon, as well as grower-producers like Pierre Péters and Jacques Selosse. These vineyards create exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional method, offering a symphony of delicate bubbles, elegant flavors, and vibrant acidity.
In the Rhône Valley, iconic vineyards like Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Château de Beaucastel produce remarkable red wines in the northern appellations of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas, showcasing the elegance and power of Syrah. Further south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is celebrated for its rich and full-bodied red blends, with Château Rayas and Clos des Papes leading the way.
In Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and omaine Trimbach craft exquisite white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, expressing the region's unique terroir and varietal character.
These are just a few highlights among the diverse array of wines that France offers. From the Loire Valley's crisp whites and elegant reds to the Languedoc-Roussillon's bold and robust wines, each region presents its own vinous treasures.
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Immerse yourself in the sublime complexity of the N Floridene Reflets 2016. Created in Bordeaux's prestigious Graves region, this fine wine showcases the unrivalled winemaking expertise of renowned vintners Denis and Florance Dubourdieu. Crafted from 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Merlot grapes, this 2016 vintage also proudly bears the undeniable imprint of its gravelly terroir.
One sip of the N Floridene Reflets 2016 unveils a symphony of flavours, with a strong presence of dark fruits, complemented by subtle hints of spice and roasted coffee. This divine harmony of taste is the outcome of 12 to 14 months aging in French oak barrels, a testament to the winemakers' painstaking attention to detail. Densely structured and elegantly balanced, this wine offers boundless pleasures to the discerning palate. N Floridene Reflets 2016 is indeed an epitome of Bordeaux's rich viticultural heritage.
Inc. VAT£129.20 -
Wine Spectator (90-93)
Streamlined and fresh in feel, offering a polished beam of cherry and red currant notes laced with subtle tobacco and mineral hints. Sleek finishInc. VAT£166.09 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)
The 2020 Clos Floridène is a powerful, driving wine. Bright and punchy in the glass, the 2020 has plenty of energy, all propped up by a spine of tannin that lends energy. Floral and savory accents add perfume over time. It will be interesting to see if the 2020 softens with élevage.Inc. VAT£253.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)
The 2020 Clos Floridène is a powerful, driving wine. Bright and punchy in the glass, the 2020 has plenty of energy, all propped up by a spine of tannin that lends energy. Floral and savory accents add perfume over time. It will be interesting to see if the 2020 softens with élevage.Inc. VAT£166.69 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91-93)
The 2021 Clos Floridene has a perfumed, incense-tinged bouquet of light tobacco and undergrowth aromas and decent fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, pretty red fruit and a beautifully balanced, cohesive finish. This is how to do 2021 without having to push too hard.Inc. VAT£131.00 -
(12x75cl) 2009Experience the revered elegance of the Clos Floridene Blanc 2009. Skilfully curated by vintners Denis and Florence Dubourdieu, this exquisite wine hails from Graves, the birthplace of Bordeaux wines. The Dubourdieu family brings their scientific expertise through rigorous vineyard management and breakthrough winemaking techniques, ensuring the purest expression of terroir.
Enjoy the beautiful blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc in Clos Floridene Blanc 2009 - two emblematic varietals of the Graves region. Exceptionally hand-picked, these grapes are vinified and aged in French oak barrels, contributing to its stunning complexity. The wine reveals enchanting aromas of citrus and white fruit, evolving into luscious honey and butter notes on the palate, signifying its ageing potential.
A wine not to be missed, Clos Floridene Blanc 2009 expresses elegance, depth, and exuberance that is the epitome of the Graves' landscape.
Inc. VAT£258.68 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-92)
The 2020 Clos Floridène Blanc is exquisite. Bright, creamy and perfumed, Clos Floridène is a winner. Gentle hints of apricot, spice, chamomile, spice and lemon confit all grace this impeccably balanced white from the Dubourdieu family.Inc. VAT£175.46 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (93)
This has grip and energy, striking gooseberry and citrus fruits, cold ash and white pepper spices giving focus on the finish. One of the best Clos Floridène whites for years, and what a pleasure to taste. 25% new oak and lees stirring.Inc. VAT£183.20 -
(12x75cl) 1996Wine Advocate (89)
On one of the three occasions I tasted the 1996 Clos Fourtet from bottle I rated it outstanding (90 points). The color is a saturated dark ruby. The nose offers up sweet black raspberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with toasty oak and floral scents. It is fleshy, surprisingly expansive and forward for a 1996, with low acidity, and a long, multilayered, fruit-driven finish. The tannin is ripe, and thus the fruit comes forward and the wine is seductive and charming. This wine possesses the weight, richness, and extract to last for 15-20 years, but it should be drinkable early. I would not be surprised for readers to feel my score is too conservative based on how well this wine is showing. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018.Inc. VAT£1,405.61 -
Wine Advocate (98)
This magnificent wine, which is just beginning to come into full maturity, boasts an inky/purple color as well as copious notes of blackberries, licorice, violets, and a striking chalky minerality. Full-bodied, voluptuously textured and stunningly pure, this great Bordeaux is one of the vintage’s superstars. The finish lasts 40-45 seconds in this majestic, multidimensional St. Emilion. It should continue to drink well for 10-15 years, but why wait?Inc. VAT£1,538.64 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2008 Clos Fourtet is perhaps one of the underrated vintages of that decade. Picked between October 9 and 20 at 28.5 hl/ha, it has a fragrant nose with black cherries, bergamot, black tea and cedar, all with impressive delineation. I do not find the bell pepper scent that I noted five years ago. The palate is medium-bodied with finely sculpted tannins and plenty of dark berry fruit mixed with tea leaf/bay leaf. There's impressive grip on the fresh, sapid finish. Superb. Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023.Inc. VAT£1,377.10 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
Welcoming aromatics, fully melted tannins even on the opening beats coupled with fresh juicy plum fruits and a limestone bite. This is delicious, tobacco, baking spice, cinnamon, cumin, incense, rosebuds and blackberry fruits. High quality, and totally ready to sink right in. 80% new oak. Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants.Inc. VAT£1,576.18 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Offering up awesome notes of blackcurrants, darker cherries, truffle earth, smoke, and tobacco, the 2010 Château Clos Fourtet is a powerful, full-bodied Saint-Emilion that has flawless overall balance, building yet polished, integrated tannins, remarkable freshness, and a great finish. This concentrated yet seamless 2010 will continue to drink brilliantly over the coming 40+ years. While I still give the nod to the 2009, this is unquestionably a legendary Saint-Emilion, and I wish every reader could taste it. Drink 2025-2065.Inc. VAT£1,555.15 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Offering up awesome notes of blackcurrants, darker cherries, truffle earth, smoke, and tobacco, the 2010 Château Clos Fourtet is a powerful, full-bodied Saint-Emilion that has flawless overall balance, building yet polished, integrated tannins, remarkable freshness, and a great finish. This concentrated yet seamless 2010 will continue to drink brilliantly over the coming 40+ years. While I still give the nod to the 2009, this is unquestionably a legendary Saint-Emilion, and I wish every reader could taste it. Drink 2025-2065.Inc. VAT£164.80 -
Wine Advocate (93)
This is another brilliant offering from Philippe Cuvelier, who has totally revolutionized the quality of this famous estate. The 2011 Clos Fourtet exhibits a dense blue/purple color as well as beautiful notes of creme de cassis, blueberries and raspberries, a complete as well as layered mid-palate, sweet tannin, good acidity and a charming personality. This is a highly successful effort for the vintage. Consume it over the next 10-12 years.Inc. VAT£515.52 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91-93+)
The 2013 Clos Fourtet opens with beguiling aromatics. Smoke, slate and new leather meld into a core of dark fruit as this sumptuous St. Emilion opens up in the glass. One of the richer, more resonant wines of the vintage, the Clos Fourtet impresses for its volume and pure breadth. The perfumed, limestone-inflected finish is distinctly Burgundian in its essence. The 2013 finishes with notable sweetness and density for the year. There is a lot to like here. Sadly, production is down 50%. The blend is 88% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Tasted two times.Inc. VAT£505.09 -
(6x75cl) 2014
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
A stunning, breathtaking wine, the 2014 Clos Fourtet is without question one of the stars of the vintage. Deep yet also wonderfully nuanced, it exudes energy and transparency. Enticing scents of violet, lavender, mint and chalk add to the wine's chiseled personality. The 2014 has gained considerable depth, volume and intensity since I tasted it from barrel as a young wine, but without losing its intensely mineral, understated personality. Today, it is exceptionally beautiful in every way. The blend is 89 % Merlot, 7 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 4 % Cabernet Franc. Tasted three times.Inc. VAT£720.72 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
An absolute blockbuster is the 2015 Clos Fourtet, which is a blend of 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. It offers a huge nose of black and blue fruits, loads of incense, violets, chocolate, and underbrush aromas, full body, a seductive, ethereal texture, lots of fine tannins, and a finish that just won’t quit. This is as classy, seamless, and elegant as it gets. Give bottle 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades.Inc. VAT£1,216.30 -
(1x600cl) 2015Jeb Dunnuck (98)
An absolute blockbuster is the 2015 Clos Fourtet, which is a blend of 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. It offers a huge nose of black and blue fruits, loads of incense, violets, chocolate, and underbrush aromas, full body, a seductive, ethereal texture, lots of fine tannins, and a finish that just won’t quit. This is as classy, seamless, and elegant as it gets. Give bottle 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades.Inc. VAT£1,190.06 -
(6x75cl) 2015
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
An absolute blockbuster is the 2015 Clos Fourtet, which is a blend of 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. It offers a huge nose of black and blue fruits, loads of incense, violets, chocolate, and underbrush aromas, full body, a seductive, ethereal texture, lots of fine tannins, and a finish that just won’t quit. This is as classy, seamless, and elegant as it gets. Give bottle 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades.Inc. VAT£719.15 -
James Suckling (97)
Love the dark-berry and intense black-olive and chocolate aromas that follow through to a full body and firm and chewy tannins that deliver a rich and delicious finish. Such polish and, at the same time, finesse. But one of the cellar. A blend of 90 per cent merlot, seven per cent cabernet sauvignon and three per cent cabernet franc. Try from 2022.Inc. VAT£221.60 -
James Suckling (97)
Love the dark-berry and intense black-olive and chocolate aromas that follow through to a full body and firm and chewy tannins that deliver a rich and delicious finish. Such polish and, at the same time, finesse. But one of the cellar. A blend of 90 per cent merlot, seven per cent cabernet sauvignon and three per cent cabernet franc. Try from 2022.Inc. VAT£640.78 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2017 Clos Fourtet is vivid, rich and super-expressive. Beams of salinity give the 2017 its energy and shape. In the glass, the 2017 is wonderfully vivid and nuanced. Lavender, mint, blue fruits and blood orange all build into the beautifully layered, exquisite finish. In 2017, Clos Fourtet is all class. This is a terrific showing from the Cuvelier family. Tasted three times.Inc. VAT£439.55 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)
The 2018 Clos Fourtet is one of the most elegant, refined wines of the vintage. Silky and aromatically expressive, Clos Fourtet is all grace. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and sage all lift from the glass. Even with all of the natural richness of the year, Clos Fourtet sizzles with tension and delineation. Then again, that is the magic of the Saint-Émilion plateau. Clos Fourtet is easy to look past in 2018. It is neither exuberant nor exotically ripe. Instead, everything is in reserve. The 2018 is a magical wine, that's all there is to it. Don't miss it.Inc. VAT£673.55 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)
The 2018 Clos Fourtet is one of the most elegant, refined wines of the vintage. Silky and aromatically expressive, Clos Fourtet is all grace. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and sage all lift from the glass. Even with all of the natural richness of the year, Clos Fourtet sizzles with tension and delineation. Then again, that is the magic of the Saint-Émilion plateau. Clos Fourtet is easy to look past in 2018. It is neither exuberant nor exotically ripe. Instead, everything is in reserve. The 2018 is a magical wine, that's all there is to it. Don't miss it.Inc. VAT£673.55 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
20ha of prime St Emilion limestone, punching at the very top of its game. This is muscular, less exuberant than the exceptional 2018 but this is still easily one of the wines of the vintage, salinity and austerity but creamy in texture, with pure, well chiselled blueberry, blackberry and raspberry fruits with peony flowers on the finish. Biodynamic farming, but not certified. 38hl/h yield. 50% new oak, 2% amphoras.Inc. VAT£339.23 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
20ha of prime St Emilion limestone, punching at the very top of its game. This is muscular, less exuberant than the exceptional 2018 but this is still easily one of the wines of the vintage, salinity and austerity but creamy in texture, with pure, well chiselled blueberry, blackberry and raspberry fruits with peony flowers on the finish. Biodynamic farming, but not certified. 38hl/h yield. 50% new oak, 2% amphoras.Inc. VAT£528.64 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
20ha of prime St Emilion limestone, punching at the very top of its game. This is muscular, less exuberant than the exceptional 2018 but this is still easily one of the wines of the vintage, salinity and austerity but creamy in texture, with pure, well chiselled blueberry, blackberry and raspberry fruits with peony flowers on the finish. Biodynamic farming, but not certified. 38hl/h yield. 50% new oak, 2% amphoras.Inc. VAT£490.78 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97-99)
One of the biggest successes on the upper plateau is the 2020 Château Clos Fourtet, and it does everything right in the vintage. A magical, perfumed bouquet of red plums, black cherries, white truffle, and white flowers just screams Saint-Emilion, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, flawless overall balance, a dense mid-palate, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality on the palate. Building incrementally with time in the glass, this is thrilling stuff that should offer some up-front appeal in its youth yet benefit from 7-8 years in the cellar and keep for 30 years or more. Bravo! The blend is 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc that’s still resting in 50% new French oak.Inc. VAT£1,370.35 -
(1x150cl) 2020Jeb Dunnuck (97-99)
One of the biggest successes on the upper plateau is the 2020 Château Clos Fourtet, and it does everything right in the vintage. A magical, perfumed bouquet of red plums, black cherries, white truffle, and white flowers just screams Saint-Emilion, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, flawless overall balance, a dense mid-palate, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality on the palate. Building incrementally with time in the glass, this is thrilling stuff that should offer some up-front appeal in its youth yet benefit from 7-8 years in the cellar and keep for 30 years or more. Bravo! The blend is 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc that’s still resting in 50% new French oak.Inc. VAT£206.81
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Immerse yourself in the sublime complexity of the N Floridene Reflets 2016. Created in Bordeaux's prestigious Graves region, this fine wine showcases the unrivalled winemaking expertise of renowned vintners Denis and Florance Dubourdieu. Crafted from 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Merlot grapes, this 2016 vintage also proudly bears the undeniable imprint of its gravelly terroir.
One sip of the N Floridene Reflets 2016 unveils a symphony of flavours, with a strong presence of dark fruits, complemented by subtle hints of spice and roasted coffee. This divine harmony of taste is the outcome of 12 to 14 months aging in French oak barrels, a testament to the winemakers' painstaking attention to detail. Densely structured and elegantly balanced, this wine offers boundless pleasures to the discerning palate. N Floridene Reflets 2016 is indeed an epitome of Bordeaux's rich viticultural heritage.
In Bond£87.00 -
Wine Spectator (90-93)
Streamlined and fresh in feel, offering a polished beam of cherry and red currant notes laced with subtle tobacco and mineral hints. Sleek finishIn Bond£120.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)
The 2020 Clos Floridène is a powerful, driving wine. Bright and punchy in the glass, the 2020 has plenty of energy, all propped up by a spine of tannin that lends energy. Floral and savory accents add perfume over time. It will be interesting to see if the 2020 softens with élevage.In Bond£175.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)
The 2020 Clos Floridène is a powerful, driving wine. Bright and punchy in the glass, the 2020 has plenty of energy, all propped up by a spine of tannin that lends energy. Floral and savory accents add perfume over time. It will be interesting to see if the 2020 softens with élevage.In Bond£121.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91-93)
The 2021 Clos Floridene has a perfumed, incense-tinged bouquet of light tobacco and undergrowth aromas and decent fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, pretty red fruit and a beautifully balanced, cohesive finish. This is how to do 2021 without having to push too hard.In Bond£88.50 -
(12x75cl) 2009
Experience the revered elegance of the Clos Floridene Blanc 2009. Skilfully curated by vintners Denis and Florence Dubourdieu, this exquisite wine hails from Graves, the birthplace of Bordeaux wines. The Dubourdieu family brings their scientific expertise through rigorous vineyard management and breakthrough winemaking techniques, ensuring the purest expression of terroir.
Enjoy the beautiful blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc in Clos Floridene Blanc 2009 - two emblematic varietals of the Graves region. Exceptionally hand-picked, these grapes are vinified and aged in French oak barrels, contributing to its stunning complexity. The wine reveals enchanting aromas of citrus and white fruit, evolving into luscious honey and butter notes on the palate, signifying its ageing potential.
A wine not to be missed, Clos Floridene Blanc 2009 expresses elegance, depth, and exuberance that is the epitome of the Graves' landscape.
In Bond£183.51 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-92)
The 2020 Clos Floridène Blanc is exquisite. Bright, creamy and perfumed, Clos Floridène is a winner. Gentle hints of apricot, spice, chamomile, spice and lemon confit all grace this impeccably balanced white from the Dubourdieu family.In Bond£129.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (93)
This has grip and energy, striking gooseberry and citrus fruits, cold ash and white pepper spices giving focus on the finish. One of the best Clos Floridène whites for years, and what a pleasure to taste. 25% new oak and lees stirring.In Bond£132.00 -
(12x75cl) 1996
Wine Advocate (89)
On one of the three occasions I tasted the 1996 Clos Fourtet from bottle I rated it outstanding (90 points). The color is a saturated dark ruby. The nose offers up sweet black raspberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with toasty oak and floral scents. It is fleshy, surprisingly expansive and forward for a 1996, with low acidity, and a long, multilayered, fruit-driven finish. The tannin is ripe, and thus the fruit comes forward and the wine is seductive and charming. This wine possesses the weight, richness, and extract to last for 15-20 years, but it should be drinkable early. I would not be surprised for readers to feel my score is too conservative based on how well this wine is showing. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018.In Bond£1,130.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
This magnificent wine, which is just beginning to come into full maturity, boasts an inky/purple color as well as copious notes of blackberries, licorice, violets, and a striking chalky minerality. Full-bodied, voluptuously textured and stunningly pure, this great Bordeaux is one of the vintage’s superstars. The finish lasts 40-45 seconds in this majestic, multidimensional St. Emilion. It should continue to drink well for 10-15 years, but why wait?In Bond£1,245.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2008 Clos Fourtet is perhaps one of the underrated vintages of that decade. Picked between October 9 and 20 at 28.5 hl/ha, it has a fragrant nose with black cherries, bergamot, black tea and cedar, all with impressive delineation. I do not find the bell pepper scent that I noted five years ago. The palate is medium-bodied with finely sculpted tannins and plenty of dark berry fruit mixed with tea leaf/bay leaf. There's impressive grip on the fresh, sapid finish. Superb. Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023.In Bond£1,109.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
Welcoming aromatics, fully melted tannins even on the opening beats coupled with fresh juicy plum fruits and a limestone bite. This is delicious, tobacco, baking spice, cinnamon, cumin, incense, rosebuds and blackberry fruits. High quality, and totally ready to sink right in. 80% new oak. Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants.In Bond£1,293.50 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Offering up awesome notes of blackcurrants, darker cherries, truffle earth, smoke, and tobacco, the 2010 Château Clos Fourtet is a powerful, full-bodied Saint-Emilion that has flawless overall balance, building yet polished, integrated tannins, remarkable freshness, and a great finish. This concentrated yet seamless 2010 will continue to drink brilliantly over the coming 40+ years. While I still give the nod to the 2009, this is unquestionably a legendary Saint-Emilion, and I wish every reader could taste it. Drink 2025-2065.In Bond£1,256.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Offering up awesome notes of blackcurrants, darker cherries, truffle earth, smoke, and tobacco, the 2010 Château Clos Fourtet is a powerful, full-bodied Saint-Emilion that has flawless overall balance, building yet polished, integrated tannins, remarkable freshness, and a great finish. This concentrated yet seamless 2010 will continue to drink brilliantly over the coming 40+ years. While I still give the nod to the 2009, this is unquestionably a legendary Saint-Emilion, and I wish every reader could taste it. Drink 2025-2065.In Bond£134.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
This is another brilliant offering from Philippe Cuvelier, who has totally revolutionized the quality of this famous estate. The 2011 Clos Fourtet exhibits a dense blue/purple color as well as beautiful notes of creme de cassis, blueberries and raspberries, a complete as well as layered mid-palate, sweet tannin, good acidity and a charming personality. This is a highly successful effort for the vintage. Consume it over the next 10-12 years.In Bond£411.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91-93+)
The 2013 Clos Fourtet opens with beguiling aromatics. Smoke, slate and new leather meld into a core of dark fruit as this sumptuous St. Emilion opens up in the glass. One of the richer, more resonant wines of the vintage, the Clos Fourtet impresses for its volume and pure breadth. The perfumed, limestone-inflected finish is distinctly Burgundian in its essence. The 2013 finishes with notable sweetness and density for the year. There is a lot to like here. Sadly, production is down 50%. The blend is 88% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Tasted two times.In Bond£403.00 -
(6x75cl) 2014
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
A stunning, breathtaking wine, the 2014 Clos Fourtet is without question one of the stars of the vintage. Deep yet also wonderfully nuanced, it exudes energy and transparency. Enticing scents of violet, lavender, mint and chalk add to the wine's chiseled personality. The 2014 has gained considerable depth, volume and intensity since I tasted it from barrel as a young wine, but without losing its intensely mineral, understated personality. Today, it is exceptionally beautiful in every way. The blend is 89 % Merlot, 7 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 4 % Cabernet Franc. Tasted three times.In Bond£582.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
An absolute blockbuster is the 2015 Clos Fourtet, which is a blend of 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. It offers a huge nose of black and blue fruits, loads of incense, violets, chocolate, and underbrush aromas, full body, a seductive, ethereal texture, lots of fine tannins, and a finish that just won’t quit. This is as classy, seamless, and elegant as it gets. Give bottle 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades.In Bond£975.00 -
(1x600cl) 2015
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
An absolute blockbuster is the 2015 Clos Fourtet, which is a blend of 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. It offers a huge nose of black and blue fruits, loads of incense, violets, chocolate, and underbrush aromas, full body, a seductive, ethereal texture, lots of fine tannins, and a finish that just won’t quit. This is as classy, seamless, and elegant as it gets. Give bottle 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades.In Bond£966.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
An absolute blockbuster is the 2015 Clos Fourtet, which is a blend of 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. It offers a huge nose of black and blue fruits, loads of incense, violets, chocolate, and underbrush aromas, full body, a seductive, ethereal texture, lots of fine tannins, and a finish that just won’t quit. This is as classy, seamless, and elegant as it gets. Give bottle 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades.In Bond£580.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Love the dark-berry and intense black-olive and chocolate aromas that follow through to a full body and firm and chewy tannins that deliver a rich and delicious finish. Such polish and, at the same time, finesse. But one of the cellar. A blend of 90 per cent merlot, seven per cent cabernet sauvignon and three per cent cabernet franc. Try from 2022.In Bond£182.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Love the dark-berry and intense black-olive and chocolate aromas that follow through to a full body and firm and chewy tannins that deliver a rich and delicious finish. Such polish and, at the same time, finesse. But one of the cellar. A blend of 90 per cent merlot, seven per cent cabernet sauvignon and three per cent cabernet franc. Try from 2022.In Bond£514.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2017 Clos Fourtet is vivid, rich and super-expressive. Beams of salinity give the 2017 its energy and shape. In the glass, the 2017 is wonderfully vivid and nuanced. Lavender, mint, blue fruits and blood orange all build into the beautifully layered, exquisite finish. In 2017, Clos Fourtet is all class. This is a terrific showing from the Cuvelier family. Tasted three times.In Bond£347.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)
The 2018 Clos Fourtet is one of the most elegant, refined wines of the vintage. Silky and aromatically expressive, Clos Fourtet is all grace. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and sage all lift from the glass. Even with all of the natural richness of the year, Clos Fourtet sizzles with tension and delineation. Then again, that is the magic of the Saint-Émilion plateau. Clos Fourtet is easy to look past in 2018. It is neither exuberant nor exotically ripe. Instead, everything is in reserve. The 2018 is a magical wine, that's all there is to it. Don't miss it.In Bond£542.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)
The 2018 Clos Fourtet is one of the most elegant, refined wines of the vintage. Silky and aromatically expressive, Clos Fourtet is all grace. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and sage all lift from the glass. Even with all of the natural richness of the year, Clos Fourtet sizzles with tension and delineation. Then again, that is the magic of the Saint-Émilion plateau. Clos Fourtet is easy to look past in 2018. It is neither exuberant nor exotically ripe. Instead, everything is in reserve. The 2018 is a magical wine, that's all there is to it. Don't miss it.In Bond£542.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
20ha of prime St Emilion limestone, punching at the very top of its game. This is muscular, less exuberant than the exceptional 2018 but this is still easily one of the wines of the vintage, salinity and austerity but creamy in texture, with pure, well chiselled blueberry, blackberry and raspberry fruits with peony flowers on the finish. Biodynamic farming, but not certified. 38hl/h yield. 50% new oak, 2% amphoras.In Bond£272.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
20ha of prime St Emilion limestone, punching at the very top of its game. This is muscular, less exuberant than the exceptional 2018 but this is still easily one of the wines of the vintage, salinity and austerity but creamy in texture, with pure, well chiselled blueberry, blackberry and raspberry fruits with peony flowers on the finish. Biodynamic farming, but not certified. 38hl/h yield. 50% new oak, 2% amphoras.In Bond£424.50 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
20ha of prime St Emilion limestone, punching at the very top of its game. This is muscular, less exuberant than the exceptional 2018 but this is still easily one of the wines of the vintage, salinity and austerity but creamy in texture, with pure, well chiselled blueberry, blackberry and raspberry fruits with peony flowers on the finish. Biodynamic farming, but not certified. 38hl/h yield. 50% new oak, 2% amphoras.In Bond£389.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97-99)
One of the biggest successes on the upper plateau is the 2020 Château Clos Fourtet, and it does everything right in the vintage. A magical, perfumed bouquet of red plums, black cherries, white truffle, and white flowers just screams Saint-Emilion, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, flawless overall balance, a dense mid-palate, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality on the palate. Building incrementally with time in the glass, this is thrilling stuff that should offer some up-front appeal in its youth yet benefit from 7-8 years in the cellar and keep for 30 years or more. Bravo! The blend is 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc that’s still resting in 50% new French oak.In Bond£1,102.00 -
(1x150cl) 2020
Jeb Dunnuck (97-99)
One of the biggest successes on the upper plateau is the 2020 Château Clos Fourtet, and it does everything right in the vintage. A magical, perfumed bouquet of red plums, black cherries, white truffle, and white flowers just screams Saint-Emilion, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, flawless overall balance, a dense mid-palate, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality on the palate. Building incrementally with time in the glass, this is thrilling stuff that should offer some up-front appeal in its youth yet benefit from 7-8 years in the cellar and keep for 30 years or more. Bravo! The blend is 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc that’s still resting in 50% new French oak.In Bond£167.00
