Clos Fourtet 2018

The power and elegance of a Premier Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion

Embodying the elite appellation of Saint-Émilion, the prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé Clos Fourtet celebrates a great success with the 2018 vintage, one that will mark the history of the property.

2018 will also be remembered thanks to its particular climatology, marked by the kind of thermal contrasts that often define exceptional vintages in Bordeaux.

At Clos Fourtet, a cold and wet winter was followed by a mild and rainy spring, which caused a strong mildew pressure and attacks of mildew to threaten the vine. The beautiful summer that came next, with plenty of radiant sunshine and moderate water stress, allowed the fruit to ripen fully. Beginning on September 25th and ending on October 9th, the 2018 harvest yielded very ripe fruit but in lower quantities than usual.

Blending Merlot (90%) with Cabernet Sauvignon (7%) and Cabernet Franc (3%), the Clos Fourtet 2018 expresses the grandeur of the Saint-Émilion terroir. At the tasting, this vintage presents a magnificently deep garnet-red colour with shimmering purple reflections. With its great aromatic intensity, the bouquet offers ripe black fruits and delicate floral notes, especially violet. The fresh attack is followed by a deliciously creamy texture that wraps the palate with an elegant structure of dense and silky tannins. This truly powerful palate stretches forth into a remarkably persistent finish, while retaining a beautiful aromatic expression. A superb expression of the Saint-Émilion terroir in a Clos Fourtet with great ageing potential.