2005 Clos Fourtet
By Chateau Clos Fourtet
2005 Clos Fourtet from Château Clos Fourtet, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
A tour through the hallowed tarriance of Bordeaux is incomplete without homage to one of its most illustrious offerings: the 2005 Clos Fourtet from the esteemed Château Clos Fourtet. This consummate vintage, substantially vaunted amongst connoisseurs, epitomises the zenith of viticulture in the fabled Right Bank appellation of Saint-Émilion.
The Emblem of Elegance: An Unrivalled Investment Vintage
In the sphere of fine wine investment, provenance is synchronous with providence, and the 2005 vintage from Château Clos Fourtet stands as an incontrovertible testament to both. The year bestowed Bordeaux with near-perfect climatic munificence, giving rise to grapes that imbued the wine with an extraordinary balance between ripe fruit intensity and fine tannic structure—conditions that augur well for longevity and elegance in any cellar.
Resplendence in a Bottle: The Graceful Maturation
Upon decanting the 2005 Clos Fourtet, one may discern the sagacious integration of time and terroir—a nectarean symphony where dark cherries and blackberries dance amidst undertones of truffle and mocha. The crescendo? A luxuriantly complex yet precise finish that resonates with sagely oak seasoning.
The expanse of this vintage’s palate reflects not just the mastery inherent to Château Clos Fourtet but also the vivacity imparted by an exceptional year. Indeed, for investors seeking assurance in stability and growth potential within their portfolios, this wine endows an unrivalled balance between investment worthiness and sheer enological delight.
In summary, I find the 2005 Clos Fourtet to be a resolute affirmation of Saint-Émilion's capability to captivate and enrich both palate and purse. Its confluence of favourable vintage conditions and exemplary vinification techniques have gifted us with a libation of formidable pedigree—one poised to yield both sensory indulgence and financial reward over time.
Market price (GBP)
£1,670.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
92.78
Scores and tasting notes
Dense ruby/purple, with notes of crushed rock, blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with some licorice and chocolate, this full-bodied, massive wine from proprietor Philippe Cuvelier coincides with the resurrection of this premier grand cru classé in St.-Emilion. As the wine sits in the glass, notes of espresso roast and chocolate emerge. This full-bodied classic should continue to drink well for another 25 years. This is a killer effort.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2015
Clos Fourtet is on a roll, having produced a stunning wine in 2003, and an even more brilliant effort in 2005. Stephane Derenoncourt, the consulting oenologist, has plenty with which to work given the fact that this is a relatively large vineyard (50 acres) planted with 85% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc as well as a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. The inky/blue/purple-colored 2005 boasts an exceptional perfume of acacia flowers, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, graphite, scorched earth, and background oak. The wine possesses a full-bodied texture and abundant quantities of stunningly pure black fruits. The result is a sumptuous St.-Emilion of great concentration, intensity, and overall balance. This prodigious effort looks set for 25-30 years of evolution. Utterly awesome!
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176
The 2005 is a blend of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc that was cropped at 35hl/ha and raised in 80% new oak for 18 months, which Mathieu Cuvelier said was relatively long for Clos Fourtet. It has an open bouquet with crisp red fruit, oyster shell, black tea and minerals. It is tightly wound and need three to four more years. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannins, meaty black fruit and a pleasant savoury finish that needs more weight and persistency. Tasted December 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013