Clos Fourtet 2019 Premier Grand Cru Classé B Saint-Émilion Bordeaux

Le Domaine

Clos Fourtet 2019 — Timeless Excellence on Saint-Émilion’s Limestone Plateau

Clos Fourtet stands among Saint-Émilion’s most historic estates, its origins tracing back to the 15th century when the property served as a fortified camp. The name itself derives from “Camp Fourtet,” moreover reflecting centuries of winemaking heritage on this exceptional terroir. Indeed, the estate has earned its place in the prestigious 2019 Saint-Émilion classification as a Premier Grand Cru Classé B, a distinction that recognizes both its historical importance and contemporary excellence.

When Philippe Cuvelier acquired Clos Fourtet in 2001, he initiated a transformative investment in both vineyard and cellar. Furthermore, the family expanded their holdings in 2013 by purchasing the adjacent Premier Grand Cru Classé estates Les Grandes Murailles and Côte de Baleau, thus consolidating their position on the coveted limestone plateau. Since 2018, the estate has practiced biodynamic viticulture, consequently producing wines of remarkable purity and precision that honour this ancient terroir.

Terroir et raisins

The Minerality of Saint-Émilion’s Famed Plateau

The 20-hectare vineyard occupies a privileged position on Saint-Émilion’s limestone plateau, where ancient marine sediments create ideal conditions for viticulture. This remarkable terroir imparts a distinctive mineral signature to the wines, while the plateau’s elevation ensures excellent drainage and optimal sun exposure. Moreover, the estate’s commitment to biodynamic practices since 2018 has enhanced the vineyard’s natural equilibrium, consequently allowing the vines to express the full character of this exceptional site.

The 2019 vintage showcases a classic Saint-Émilion blend dominated by Merlot, which thrives on these calcium-rich soils. Additionally, small proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc add structural complexity and aromatic nuance. The estate achieved a moderate yield of 38 hectolitres per hectare, thus ensuring optimal concentration and balance in this outstanding vintage.

Vinification et vieillissement

Precision Winemaking in Oak and Amphora

The winemaking team at Clos Fourtet employs meticulous techniques to preserve the vineyard’s distinctive character. Following careful parcel-by-parcel vinification, the wine undergoes its élevage in a thoughtfully balanced combination of vessels. Moreover, the estate utilizes 50% new French oak barrels, which contribute subtle structure and aromatic complexity without overwhelming the fruit. Additionally, 2% of the wine matures in clay amphorae, thus introducing a gentle micro-oxygenation that enhances texture and minerality.

This innovative approach reflects the estate’s commitment to both tradition and experimentation. Indeed, the extended ageing period allows the wine to harmonize its components fully, consequently developing the refined tannins and saline finish that characterize this exceptional vintage. The biodynamic philosophy extends into the cellar, where interventions remain minimal to honour the fruit’s inherent quality.

Caractère vintage

2019 — A Vintage of Structure and Longevity

The 2019 vintage in Saint-Émilion produced wines of remarkable concentration and structural integrity, indeed marking it as one of the finest years of the decade. A warm, dry growing season with timely rainfall provided ideal conditions for phenolic ripeness, while cool nights preserved natural acidity. Moreover, the Right Bank’s Merlot-based wines particularly benefited from these conditions, consequently achieving both power and elegance. This vintage stands alongside the legendary years in terms of ageing potential, yet offers exceptional approachability even in its youth.

Notes de dégustation

Muscular Elegance with Pure Fruit Expression

Clos Fourtet 2019 reveals a complex aromatic profile of black cherry, ripe plum, and wild blueberry, layered with exotic spice, licorice, and blood orange zest. On the palate, the wine demonstrates considerable weight and density, yet remains beautifully refined through its well-chiselled fruit and lively acidity. Moreover, the limestone terroir expresses itself through a distinctive mineral thread that runs from the mid-palate through to the long, saline finish. Notes of fine leather and graphite add further complexity, while the beautifully integrated tannins promise decades of evolution. Indeed, this is a wine of both immediate pleasure and exceptional cellaring potential.

“Pure, well chiselled blueberry, blackberry and raspberry fruits… muscular and easily one of the wines of the vintage.”

Service et jumelage

Recommandations en matière de portions

This powerful yet refined Saint-Émilion pairs magnificently with richly flavoured red meats, particularly roasted côte de bœuf or venison with wild mushroom sauce. Moreover, the wine’s mineral backbone and lively acidity complement lamb navarin or duck confit beautifully. For cheese service, consider aged Comté or Époisses, which echo the wine’s savoury complexity. Additionally, the wine’s structure and concentration make it an ideal match for truffle-based dishes. While approachable now with aeration, cellaring until 2027 will reward patience as the wine develops further tertiary complexity and silken texture.

— Discover —

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