Clos Fourtet 2015 is a red wine, a Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé B, produced by Château Clos Fourtet and grown on the famous limestone plateau. This year's blend is dominated by 88% Merlot, complemented by 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. This represents a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon than is typical for this vineyard, a characteristic that is evident in the wine's structure.
The alcohol content is 14%. The wine is concentrated, well-ripened but not heavy.
The underground limestone soil imparts the freshness and delicate tannins that are the hallmark of Clos Fourtet, and the 2015 vintage adds rich flavor on top of that without blurring the edges. Production totaled 4,417 cases.
The color of this matured wine if rred with purple hints and shows some menthol notes, red fruit (cherry), mocca, chocolate and asian spices. The wine is medium-bodied, the tannins softened, the finish is long, balanced and elegant
It is best enjoyed through 2042.
Robert Parker (94)
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Clos Fourtet has lifted menthol notes on the nose over a core of chocolate-covered cherries, dried mulberries, baked plums and potpourri plus a touch of cloves. Medium-bodied and very firm with lovely ripe, fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness, it finishes long and perfumed.
James Suckling (96)
Blueberry, stone, mineral and dried-flower aromas follow through to a full body. Silky and polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Shows finesse, and polished with such sensitivity. Superb finish. Drink in 2022 but already a joy to taste.
Rene Gabriel (17)
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 17/20 points.
BOW (8.5)
Falstaff (94)
Dark ruby in colour with an opaque core, purple reflections, and subtle brightening on the rim. On the nose, aromas of delicate nougat and ripe plum, underlaid with blackberry fruit, a hint of tangerine zest and fine herbal spice. The freshly structured palate is lean with red cherry notes and fine fruit expression on the minerally finish. Already well developed and drinkable, recommend decanting for two hours, the wine also has the potential for further ageing.
Wine Enthusiast (96)
Situated against the walls of Saint-Émilion, this estate is producing impressive wines like this vintage with its balance of acidity and opulent, ripe black fruits. Freshness and richness combine in this wine that has a powerful structure that will let it age for many years.
Jane Anson (96)
This feels exuberantly young, with ripe fleshy damson and blackberry fruits, balanced by a measured slow-build of acidity, giving precision and restraint. Touch of smoked caramel, even a flash of crème de cassis heat, set against oyster shell and saffran, and the complex interplay of flavour and texture that makes Clos Fourtet such an exceptional wine. 60% new oak, Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants.
