2010 Clos Fourtet
By Chateau Clos Fourtet
2010 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
A vintage that resonates with an arresting eloquence, the 2010 Clos Fourtet from Chateau Clos Fourtet is a paragon of Saint-Emilion's grandiose tradition of winemaking. Firmly rooted in the limestone plateaus and clay soils, this vintage articulates a narrative of a season where patience and precision converged to shape a wine that beckons the discerning collector.
The Allure of Terroir and Time: A Profile of Distinguished Opulence
A series of serendipitous climatic conditions in 2010, with warm days juxtaposed against cool nights, provided an ideal canvas for the Merlot-led blend that defines this esteemed Chateau. A decade's maturation has harmoniously woven the intense cherry and blackberry fruit with the subtleties of spice and hint of truffle, achieving a profile of dignified complexity.
Intelligent Investment: A Testament to Saint-Emilion's Jewel
The investment potential in bottles such as the 2010 Clos Fourtet cannot be overstated. As its depths continue to unfold with each passing year, so too does the anticipation that accompanies each uncorking. The structure is both statuesque and sensuously yielding; tannins perfectly poised like balletic dancers en pointe - suggesting that this vintage will enjoy a prolonged zenith.
Their vinicultural savoir-faire has sculpted a vintage that stands shoulder to shoulder with Bordeaux's luminaries. A supple mouthfeel, dexterous balance, and the lingering finish are imprints left by the benevolent growing season and meticulous artisanal touch.
In summary, 2010 Clos Fourtet, showing boundless grace and investment appeal, is a lustrous jewel in Saint-Emilion's crown. Its sophisticated dance between potency and finesse is an ode to an exceptional year—a vintage that continues to unfurl its narrative, one sip at a time.
Market price (GBP)
£1,340.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
74.44
Scores and tasting notes
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Clos Fourtet is a little closed to begin, opening out to reveal notes of baked black cherries, blueberry preserves and dried mulberries plus hints of cast-iron pan, fertile loam and cigar box with a waft of sandalwood. Full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and compelling freshness supporting the muscular fruit, finishing long and mineral laced. Very impressive!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 5 March 2020
The wine has an opaque blue/black color and abundant notes of forest floor, spring flowers, black raspberry and blueberry liqueur in the aromatics along with hints of espresso and white chocolate. The wine is dense, full, rich, unctuously textured and very full-bodied, with its extravagant glycerin, fruit and extract covering the wine’s somewhat tannic structure. This is a bigger, more restrained and structured wine than the outrageously flamboyant and prodigious 2009. Give it 5-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 30-40 years. This property has been on fire, qualitatively speaking, for well over a decade. Another compelling effort from the Cuvelier family, the 2010 Clos Fourtet is a blend of 87% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc that came in at 14.5% alcohol. Yields were modest at 31 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest was late, starting at the very end of September and not finishing until the beginning of the third week of October.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #205
A beautiful wine, with everything in the bottle. Blackberries, minerals and blueberries. Full and silky. Long, long finish.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 20th 2011
Tasted at the Union de Grand Cru in London. The Clos Fourtet has an intense, voluminous bouquet with dark plum, dried figs and sweet red berry fruit that beautifully encases the new oak. The palate is ripe, controlled and in my opinion, shows more control and precision than recent vintages...including the more opulent 2009. Yes, there is a sense of reserve to this 2010, but the terroir really shows through on the black truffle tinged finish. Superb. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2013