2009 Clos Fourtet
By Chateau Clos Fourtet
2009 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
In the esteemed lineage of Saint-Émilion wines, the 2009 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet unfolds as a paragon of balance and finesse. Its vintage is cradled warmly in the memory of discerning investors and aficionados alike for the nearly perfect climatic conditions bestowed upon Bordeaux that year.
The Vintage's Voice: A Melodious Echo Through Time
The 2009 vintage in Bordeaux exhibited all the trappings of excellence - a warm summer gently coaxing the grapes to opulent ripeness, complemented by sufficient rainfall to preserve essential freshness. It is within this natural symphony that 2009 Clos Fourtet sings with a sonorous clarity, its generous fruit profile entwined harmoniously with a terroir-driven elegance.
I recall fondly the day I uncorked this exemplary offering; layers were unveiled with each swirl of the glass. The nose greeted me as an old friend might, rich in black fruits, hints of licorice and truffle—a perfumed echo from depths of its limestone heart.
Investing in Liquid History: A Testament to Terroir
Upon tasting, it became abundantly clear that 2009 Clos Fourtet encapsulates the essence of its vintage. A firm yet velvety tannic structure underpins lush berries, exquisitely integrated oak whispers tales of careful ageing. This is much more than just wine; it is a cultivated expression of time and place.
For the astute investor, 2009 Clos Fourtet offers not only a remarkable sensory journey but also a tangible asset reflecting both rarity and desirability. As it continues to evolve graciously in the bottle, its stature amongst peers seems only to soar ever higher.
A Summation Like No Other: The 2009 Clos Fourtet
In conclusion, those who seek to add a stellar exemplar of Bordeaux's best to their collection would be remiss to bypass this superb specimen. The 2009 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet showcases all one could desire from such a lauded vintage: complexity, balance, and a dignified presence that promises further revelation with maturity. It stands resolutely among the most investable vintages of its generation.
Market price (GBP)
£1,730.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
86.5
Scores and tasting notes
After tasting it three times from bottle, I am convinced this prodigious wine is one of the greatest young Bordeaux I have ever tasted. Inky blue/purple with notes of camphor, forest floor, blackberry, cassis, sweet cherries, licorice, the wine has stunning aromatics, unctuous texture and an almost inky concentration, but without any hard edges. With considerable tannin and just enough acidity to provide definition, this wine transcends even its premier grand cru classe terroir. It is certainly the finest Clos Fourtet ever produced. Give it 5-7 years of cellaring to allow some of its baby fat to fall away. There is certainly enough structure underneath to keep for 30-50 years. Bravo! From my barrel score of 95-98, I suppose I should have seen this perfect score coming, particularly considering what proprietor Philippe Cuvelier and estate manager Tony Ballu have accomplished over the last decade. This is one of the great terroirs of St.-Emilion, nearly 50 acres high on the clay beds and deep limestone plateau of the region, just a stone’s throw from the luxury hotel and restaurant Hostellerie de Plaisance. Yields were moderate at 34 hectoliters per hectare, and the final blend is 88% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon (somewhat unusual) and the rest Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in 80% new oak.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #199
The 2009 Clos Fourtet is medium to deep garnet colored and opens on a medicinal/Band-Aid note, giving way to appealing baked red and black fruit notes with touches of dried herbs, tree bark, chargrill and a ferrous waft. The palate is full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and plenty of muscular fruit, finishing earthy and just a little hard.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 14 March 2019
Lots of wet earth and minerals on the nose with hints of sliced meat. Dark fruits galore. Full bodied, with a beautiful velvety texture and a juicy and delicious finish. Try after 2017.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, November 10th 2011
Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. There is a touch of reduction on the nose on the Clos Fourtet ‘09 – dark baked cherries, a touch of marmalade and shoe polish. The palate is medium-bodied with a spicy core of black, liquorice fruit. It is dense and spicy, although the finish is a little hard and penetrating. This needs to calm down…and it will. Tasted January 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013