2005 Clos Fourtet, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bottle (750ml)

LP99 "The 2005 Clos Fourtet is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-brick in color, it offers a spectacularly complex and perfumed nose of red roses, star anise, kirsch, and eucalyptus with a core of plum preserves and baked blackberries, plus a touch of tobacco leaf. Full-bodied and fantastically concentrated, it has a firm frame of ripe rounded tannins and seamless freshness, delivering a long and fragrant finish. Just starting to enter its drinking window, this opulent beauty can be enjoyed over the next 20+ years. Most of Clos Fourtet's vines are situated very close to the town of Saint-Emilion, on the limestone plateau. The estate belongs to the Cuvelier family, who purchased the property in 2000 and have conducted extensive replanting." LPB for TWI Jul 2022

RP98 "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." RP Jun 2015