1989 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

In the pantheon of Bordeaux vintages, few have the extraordinary allure that 1989 possesses, and within this vinous constellation, the 1989 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet emerges as one of Saint-Emilion's stars. As someone who has been fortunate enough to experience this vintage evolve through the decades, I can assert that its trajectory has been nothing short of captivating.

A Vintage Beckoning Wine Investors

Chateau Clos Fourtet, a Premier Grand Cru Classé B estate, is renowned for its consistent delivery of investment-grade wines. The 1989 vintage stands out as it sits at an impeccable intersection of maturity and vigour; a point where tertiary notes are blossoming but not overpowering the wine’s inherent structure.

The Hallmark Year That Was 1989

The year 1989 was marked by warm conditions that brought out the best in Bordeaux's right bank. This fortunate climate resulted in a vintage that resonated with early approachability yet promised longevity – a duality savoured by collectors and connoisseurs alike. The 1989 Clos Fourtet encapsulates this duality with remarkable finesse. On the palate, it is a symphony of dark plums, dried cherries, and hints of truffle and moist earth – a reflection of its merlot-dominated blend cradled in the clay limestone terroir characteristic to Saint-Emilion. Time has imbued it with a softness; tannins once gripping have mellowed, creating a texture that gently whispers rather than asserts itself.

The nose offers layers; evolving fragrances speak to the careful cellaring afforded to bottles like these. Hints of cigar box and worn leather intertwine with subtler notes of potpourri and figs, yielding a bouquet that is as complex as it is inviting.

In sum, the 1989 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet is an exquisite study in balance. Its deft amalgamation of power and elegance, fruit and earthiness makes it an exceptional addition to any wine investment portfolio. Indeed, those with foresight to secure parcels during youth will find their intuition richly rewarded now as this Saint-Emilion gem unfurls its wings in the bottle.