A standout from the famed 2018–2020 trilogy, the 2020 Clos Fourtet is a masterclass in balance, structure, and minerality. Primarily Merlot (90%) with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, it showcases seamless integration of ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and cool blueberry, lifted by vibrant wet stone and minty freshness. The palate is silky yet powerful, with fine, persistent tannins and a cool, classy finish marked by crushed tobacco and a stony core. 

Decanter | D 100
Published: Apr 19, 2023
Drink: 2023-2075

So amazingly nuanced, such elegance combined with ripeness, a vintage that many say is wonderful, as do I. Blackberry and dark cherry, cool blueberry and wet stone minerality delivered in a seamless palate, even more than the 2005 – at least at this tasting. Add to this the impressive concentration, and you get Yin and Yang. A bit of crushed tobacco lends freshness to a very long, cool and thoroughly classy finish. 3.45pH.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 97
Published: Dec 20, 2022

Subtle aromas of orange peel, sweet tobacco and currants follow through to a medium body, fine tannin texture and a fresh finish. Extremely tight now, but persistent at the finish. Classy. Best of the triology. Drink after 2027.

Decanter | D 97
Published: Apr 19, 2023
Drink: 2030-2075

Gorgeous violet and blackberry aromas presage a palate with tannins at first creamy and enveloping but then powerful and structured. In the famous 2018-2019-2020 trio, this vintage gets my nod for the best wet stone raciness, even if it tastes almost like a barrel sample. A gorgeous minty freshness on the long finish. For current pricing, a steal. 3.6pH.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 14.50%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 3% Cabernet Franc 7% Cabernet Sauvignon 90% Merlot

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Apr 06, 2023
Drink: 2028-2048

The 2020 Clos Fourtet offers up aromas of dark berries, plum preserves and pencil shavings framed by nicely integrated new oak. It is medium to full-bodied, with a rich core of ripe fruit that's framed by powdery, youthfully firm tannins that assert themselves on the finish. This limestone site always delivers low pHs, so the wine remains fresh and vibrant, even if its fruit flavors are marked by the warmth and sunshine of the vintage.

Like its neighbor, Canon, Clos Fourtet sits on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau, with shallow soils directly above the bedrock; but whereas Canon is exposed south/southwest, Clos Fourtet's exposition is more northerly exposed and thus a touch less precocious. Since the Cuvelier family's purchase in 2001, the vineyards have been extensively replanted at higher density, and a massal selection has been taken and propagated, being rolled out wholesale beginning in 2018. Now the vineyards are maturing, and so is the winemaking style: There's less and less malolactic fermentation in barrel, winemaking is gentle and more classical in inspiration, and new oak is chosen for discretion rather than impact.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17++
Published: Jan 24, 2024
Drink: 2030-2045

Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Dark and slightly charry on the nose. Firm, charry and dark on the palate but the tannins are very fine and there’s freshness to balance all that pure dark fruit. Needs a lot of time.

Closfourtet.com

The wines of Clos Fourtet, Premier Grand Cru Classé, embody the finest of Saint-Émilion. Smooth, intriguing and seductive, their pure natural aromas are delicately woven together in a charming display of the unparalleled potential of our terroir. Our wines mark the culmination of all of our efforts, unveiling themselves as time passes - alive, developing and maturing.