2010 Clos Fourtet

Lovely deep plum colour, vivid violet reflections, this delivers exactly what you want from a 2010 - with clarity of blackberry and bilberry fruit, waves of fresher pomegranate and juicy greengage, a ton of liquorice, fennel and gunsmoke, taut with tension and precisely-cut tannins. Exceptional quality. 80% new oak. Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants.

The 2010 Clos Fourtet is a behemoth, with a deep, powerful, massive style that either needs two hours in a decanter or another 4-5 years in the cellar. Deep black fruits, truffly earth, tobacco, and graphite notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a huge, unctuous mouthfeel, and ripe yet present tannins. It picks up more and more purity with air, and this incredible effort is going to have another two decades or more of longevity.

The 2010 Clos Fourtet was picked between September 30 and October 21 at 34 hl/ha. This has an impressive nose: an enticing mélange of red and black fruit, crushed stone, wilted rose petals and tobacco emanating from the Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is medium-bodied but with real depth, its power counterbalanced by the keen line of acidity. Touches of spicebox, white pepper and mineral define the precise finish that lingers in the mouth. Outstanding. Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023.