2008 Clos Fourtet
By Chateau Clos Fourtet
2008 Clos Fourtet, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
The 2008 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet emerges as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its terroir amidst challenging climatic whims. As I delve into this particular vintage, it's not the estate's storied history that shines brightest, but rather the compelling narrative of how this year's conditions sculpted a vintage both unique and engrossing.
A Vintage Chiselled by the Elements
The year 2008 in Bordeaux was marked by an erratic climate, which saw an unseasonable coolness during critical phases of vine growth, followed by redemptive sun in September. Such fluctuations can spell disaster; however, for the vines of Chateau Clos Fourtet, they brought forth a vintage of surprising complexity. Seasonal stress expresses itself here through an enviable tension - a vibrato that sings through the wine's structure.
Investing in Patience: The Payoff of Slow Maturation
In their youth, the 2008s from Bordeaux were oft-underestimated, concealed behind brooding tannins and reticent fruit. Yet with cellaring, these wines have blossomed, unfurling finesse and nuance which reward those canny investors who recognised early on the latent potential nestled within these bottles. The crescendo of this evolution is now upon us; patience has indeed ripened into opulence.
The 2008 Clos Fourtet resonates with a symphony of dark plum and blackcurrant notes entwined with hints of truffle and violets. It's this intertwining of earthy depth and floral elegance that culminates in a vintage-specific expression - one that has transcended its initial austerity to reveal a wine pivoted between power and poise.
As one weaves through the considered layers of this Saint-Émilion offering, one cannot overlook its sound structure and ideal balance - characteristics that offer a clear signal to its continued longevity. It provides an invitation to savour or to allow for further development under precise cellarage.
In summary, while holding dear the guidance I afford my discerning readers on fine wines, I must confide that the maturation journey of the 2008 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet is nothing short of compelling. As a confluence of seasoned viniculture and Bordeaux's unpredictable climate yields investment-worthy rewards, fervent collectors would be well-advised to acquaint themselves closely with this well-structured and tantalising vintage.
Market price (CAD)
$1,410.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
70.83
Scores and tasting notes
A strong effort, the 2008 was made from tiny yields of 28.5 hectoliters per hectare, and attained 14% natural alcohol. It reveals sweet licorice, black currant and blackberry fruit notes intermixed with truffle and asphalt characteristics in its pure, rich, opulent, full-bodied personality. One of the finest St.-Emilions of the vintage, it is far more accessible than the 2010 and should continue to drink well for 15-20 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 1 May 2011
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Clos Fourtet 2008 has a ripe blackberry and raspberry scented bouquet with a touch alcoholic warmth. The palate is sweet and chewy on the entry, rather tart acidity with a slightly pinched on the finish, however, there is good weight of fruit underneath and I feel this just needs several years to meld together. Tasted January 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012