CLOS FOURTET 2005 1.5L

Clos Fourtet 2005, 1.5 Litre Magnum
Equivalent to two standard 750 ml bottles, each robust magnum serves about 10 glasses of wine

“Dense ruby/purple, with notes of crushed rock, blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with some licorice and chocolate, this full-bodied, massive wine from proprietor Philippe Cuvelier coincides with the resurrection of this premier grand cru classé in St.-Emilion. As the wine sits in the glass, notes of espresso roast and chocolate emerge. This full-bodied classic should continue to drink well for another 25 years. This is a killer effort. (RP/6/2015)” – 98/100, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

VARIETIES: A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon – average age of the vines is 35 years
REGION: France / Bordeaux / Libournais / Saint-Émilion / Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
AGEING: Vinification using the traditional method in thermo-regulated wooden vats and thermo-regulated stainless steel vats depending on the vintages, aged for 18 months in 80% new oak barrels
SERVE: Serve at 16 – 18ºC
FITS TO: As for food and wine pairings, we recommend a starter of Poêlée de Cèpes de Bordeaux or Stuffed Cèpes. Main courses include Filet Au Poivre or Pâté de Foie Gras, as well as Lièvre à la broche. For dessert, you can serve Maroilles AOP or Tarte au Chocolat
CRITICS SCORES: 99/JD, 98/RP, 97/V, 94/WE, 94/WS
VIVINO: Average 4.3 ★★★★✰

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1ᵉr Grand Cru Classé B, Saint-Émilion Appellation | Range | Clos Fourtet

Clos Fourtet, part of the Saint-Emilion commune, is located on the highest slopes in the western part of Saint-Emilion. Formerly known as “Camp Fortet”, meaning “little fort”, it was used to protect Saint-Emilion in the Middle Ages. This 20-hectare vineyard has walls built directly from the limestone soil on which it rests. Following the grand classification of Saint-Emilion’s premier crus classé, Clos Fourtet is now among the elite. This is one of Saint-Emilion’s smallest classified vineyards.

In 2001, Philippe Cuvelier acquired Clos Fourtet from the Lurton family. He decided to entrust management of the château to his son Matthieu. Both with the desire to innovate Clos Fourtet and to constantly strive for excellence, they decided to invest and gradually change Clos Fourtet. Attached to the perseverance of their land and the quality of what they produce, they set up an organic and biodynamic culture within the vineyard. Their aim is to preserve the estate so that it can be passed on in good condition to future generations.

The Cuvelier family, who also acquired Château Poujeaux in 2008. Thanks to Clos Fourtet’s neighbouring great wall, it has become an emblematic symbol of Saint-Emilion.

Built during the Ancien Régime, Clos Fourtet was uninhabited for a long time, and has since been restored as a place of reflection and family retreat. It became famous thanks to its owners, the Lords of Figeac, in the 18th century. Il est devenu célèbre grâce à ses propriétaires, les seigneurs de Figeac, au XVIIIe siècle. Clos Fourtet also produces a second wine, called Closerie de Fourtet, which benefits from the same expertise as the grand vin.

The history of Clos Fourtet is reflected in its labels, which combine several clues. From 1918 onwards, the labels featured three gold medals. C’est à partir de 1918, que les étiquettes se composent de trois médailles d’or. Finally, the third medal on the right represents the 1895 National, International and Universal Exhibition in Bordeaux. These awards are symbols of technical progress and a philosophy of excellence that spans the centuries.

Today, Clos Fourtet has nearly 18.7 hectares of vines. Its terroir is naturally drained with clay-limestone soil. The vines are 25 years old on average. The harvest takes place in the great winemaking traditions with hand-harvesting, while respecting the environment with the use of organic fertilizers. The grape variety is made up of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc.

The best vintages of Clos Fourtet are 1945, wines of 1949, the vintage 1953, and wines of 1962. The grands crus of 1982 and 1989 are exceptionnal and the vintage 1990, 2005 and wines of 2009 too. Particularly resplendent vintages for this château include 2019, 2018, 2015, 2005, 1990, 1985 and 1979.