2011 Clos Fourtet

The 2011 Clos Fourtet was picked between September 16 and October 4 at 33 hl/ha. This has a fragrant bouquet, well defined with tertiary black fruit, hints of violet and cigar humidor. Unlike other off-vintages at this vertical, this responds to aeration and coheres in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, fresh and focused, with light cracked black pepper touches towards the finish that is just a little austere. But I can abide that...this is one of the best off-vintage releases from the estate. Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023.

Deep ruby colour, this was a dry but relatively cool vintage, and right now it is exuding class and balance. The tannins are beginning to fully soften and melt into the structure, releasing campfire smoke, tobacco, saffran and red cherries, all buoyed up by still-fresh acidites. Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants. 80% new oak, Mathieu Cuvelier owner.

The 2011 Clos Fourtet has a well-defined and focused bouquet with black cherry, cassis and light violet aromas, almost Margaux-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, well-integrated oak with a cohesive and with touches of allspice and white pepper on the vibrant finish. Very fine. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.