2008 Clos Fourtet
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Clos Fourtet is perhaps one of the underrated vintages of that decade. Picked between October 9 and 20 at 28.5 hl/ha, it has a fragrant nose with black cherries, bergamot, black tea and cedar, all with impressive delineation. I do not find the bell pepper scent that I noted five years ago. The palate is medium-bodied with finely sculpted tannins and plenty of dark berry fruit mixed with tea leaf/bay leaf. There's impressive grip on the fresh, sapid finish. Superb. Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023.
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More reviews and scores
A little reserved on the nose at first, you have to seach for this one, but it is there once the tannins roll back. Another of the classic Bordeaux vintages, with black cherry and raspberry fruit, packed with black pepper spice, soy and searing oyster shell that is such a delicious signature of these limestone soils. Tertiary character beginning to assert itself, the tannins are still giving plenty of structure and support, but the emphasis is spice, tobacco and woodsmoke over fruit. 80% new oak. Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants.
Black cherry and leather with furry tannic grip and some rather feral hints on the finish, suggesting something a bit mossy and decomposed. Finishes with a bitter persistence. Combative. (RH)
The 2008 Clos Fourtet has a tightly wound bouquet with raspberry, cranberry and light tertiary aromas, a touch of bell pepper in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin. This Clos Fourtet boasts impressive body, almost sinewy in style, a backward 2008 Saint Émilion from Mathieu Cuvelier although I was smitten by its persistent spicy aftertaste. It clearly deserves a couple more years in bottle. One to watch carefully. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.)
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.