Chateau Clos FourtetChateau Clos Fourtet 2022

The 2022 Clos Fourtet is every bit as compelling as it was en primeur, maybe even a bit more so. Vertical and explosive, the 2022 offers a captivating mix of textural opulence and classic structure. The blend is 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. One of the key signatures of Clos Fourtet is the presence of Cabernet Sauvignon, which is rarely seen on the Saint-Émilion plateau but seems to add weight and gravitas here. Dark blue fruits, new leather, spice, menthol and espresso stain the palate as the 2022 gradually reveals its considerable pedigree. The 2022 was raised in a mix of 58% once-used barrels, 40% new oak and 2% amphora. More importantly, it is without question one of the wines of the vintage.
- By Antonio Galloni on January 2025

The 2022 Clos Fourtet is based on a normal blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc that was brought up 40% new oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. It has incredibly pure aromatics of black cherries, black raspberries, scorched earth, graphite, white flowers, and truffly minerality. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, pure, detailed beauty that has flawless overall balance, a silky, elegant mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It's one of the more seamless, pretty, elegant wines in the vintage and should benefit from a decade of cellaring. It’s a fabulous expression of this crème de la crème terroir on the upper limestone plateau.

Mathieu Cuvelier marks 20 years of the Cuvelier family at Clos Fourtet with this vintage, and it's a wonderful attestation to the potential of limestone plateau location for coping with a changing climate in Bordeaux. Visually arresting in its deep plum and violet colour, with a luscious texture, and plenty of subtle red roses and peony floral aromatics. Creamy black and blue fruits, and sublimely well measured tannic extraction, with crunchy salinity on the finish, oyster shell and salt-flecked chocolate notes. Super smooth finish. First year with the addition of Les Grandes Murailles vineyard. Stéphane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants (working together since 2009). Not too interventionist, no cold soaks here, natural yeasts, with whole bunch ferments for the young vines. Harvest September 9 to 27. 3.54ph. 40% new oak, 58% second-fill barrels, 2% amphoras.

Extremely aromatic with iron, chalk, lead pencil and currants following through to a medium to full body with integrated tannins that are polished and very long. Wonderful balance to this with just hints of fresh herbs like basil and thyme. A blend of 90% merlot, 7% cabernet sauvignon and 3% cabernet franc. Give this four or five years to come together.