2013 Clos Fourtet
By Chateau Clos Fourtet
2013 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
In the heart of Saint-Emilion lies the majestic Chateau Clos Fourtet, a name synonymous with wines of depth and distinction. The 2013 Clos Fourtet emerges as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its makers in a challenging vintage that tested Bordeaux's mettle.
Unearthing Character Amidst Adversity
The 2013 vintage in Bordeaux presented winemakers with an array of climatic hurdles that translated into an exercise in precision viticulture and masterful winemaking. At Chateau Clos Fourtet, these difficulties were met with unwavering dedication, yielding a wine that rises above the vintage's reputation for its elegance and balance.
A Meticulously Crafted Vintage Offering Investment Appeal
There is a particular poise to the 2013 Clos Fourtet, with its clear ruby hue and a nose blossoming with dark fruits edged by hints of earthy truffle – an aromatic profile that speaks volumes of its origin. On the palate, one is greeted by a cascade of blackberry and plum, interwoven with subtle oak inflections and a hint of sweet spice, a harmony derived from a carefully orchestrated élevage process. The tannins, though present, are finely grained, folding into a medium body that carries through to an enduring finish.
For the astute wine investor, this vintage stands out for its quiet confidence. It wields a structured complexity that hints at rewarding maturation potential. While it may not possess the immediate power or opulence of its more celebrated peers, the 2013 Clos Fourtet showcases an undeniable charm worthy of consideration for a diversified investment portfolio.
Concluding Notes on A Vintage Of Finesse
The understated prowess of the 2013 Clos Fourtet encapsulates the essence of its prestigious terroir under the auspices of a challenging season. It is an embodiment of subtlety over bombast – a nuanced reflection of Saint-Emilion’s resilience that will reward those who appreciate the quieter virtues of Bordeaux's complex tapestry. An investment here is not merely in liquid form but in the narrative of survival and succeeding against the odds.
Market price (USD)
$1,080.41
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
88.5
Scores and tasting notes
The 2013 Clos Fourtet clearly has one of the best aromatic profiles of 2013: clean and pure red cherries dallying with crushed strawberry fruit and dried fig that is a joy. The palate is lively on the entry with a keen line of acidity. There is a pleasant edginess from start to finish and it displays admirable precision if not immense depth on the finish. This is an early-drinking Clos Fourtet, one that is well made by Mathieu Cuvelier and this team. This is recommended.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
One can sense the chalky limestone soil base of much of the Clos Fourtet vineyard (adjacent to the walls of this medieval showcase town). The dense ruby/plum-colored 2013 offers sweet black cherry and cassis fruit, good minerality, slightly angular acids (a characteristic of many 2013s), and ripe tannins. It should turn out to be very good, but it is clearly not one of the great Clos Fourtets made over the last decade or more. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #214 Aug 2014