1998 Clos Fourtet
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Tasting notes
The 1998 Clos Fourtet is a vintage that I have not encountered for many years. This has a superb bouquet: very fresh and vibrant with hints of black olive tapenade infusing the black fruit, more estuarine than other vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins, elegant for a '98 Right Bank. A keen line of acidity maintains tension throughout. There is just a touch of pencil lead on the finish. This is drinking beautifully and comes recommended. Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A strong effort from Clos Fourtet, the dark ruby/purple-colored 1998 offers pure blackberry and cherry aromas with subtle wood and licorice in the background. Medium-bodied, exceptionally pure, with low acidity as well as silky tannin, this sexy offering is ideal for drinking now and over the next 14-15 years.
Wonderful nose. Rich and dense aromas of crushed blackberries, tobacco and light coffee follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Very pretty now.¿'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. 5,250 cases made. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2009
About the producer
The Cuvelier family took over Clos Fourtet in 2001 and modernised the estate – renovating the winery and undertaking significant replanting. Its 18.5 hectares sit on the limestone plateau.