Clos Fourtet Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2014

A stunning, breathtaking wine, the 2014 Clos Fourtet is without question one of the stars of the vintage. Deep yet also wonderfully nuanced, it exudes energy and transparency. Enticing scents of violet, lavender, mint and chalk add to the wine's chiseled personality. The 2014 has gained considerable depth, volume and intensity since I tasted it from barrel as a young wine, but without losing its intensely mineral, understated personality. Today, it is exceptionally beautiful in every way. The blend is 89 % Merlot, 7 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 4 % Cabernet Franc. Tasted three times.

A step back from the sensational 2015, yet still an incredible wine that checks in near the top of the vintage, the 2014 Clos Fourtet offers an elegant, seductive style as well as perfumed notes of ripe cherries, strawberries, spice and exotic flowers, with a touch of minerality coming through with time in the glass. Playing in the medium-bodied end of the spectrum, with ultra-fine tannin and a beautiful elegance and persistence, it’s already impossible to resist yet I suspect will cruise in the cellar on its balance.

The 2014 Clos Fourtet was picked between October 3 and 16 at 28 hl/ha. Well defined and fresh on the nose, there is a mineral component that I appreciate. It is impressive in terms of focus, light cedar and forest floor scents emerging with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with finely knit tannins, pencil lead from the 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and a dash of black pepper. Very tensile on the finish, this is a splendid Saint-Émilion that comes recommended. Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023.

The richness and decadence of this are so pretty. Medium to full body and firm and silky tannins. Juicy and long. Flavorful. Needs time to soften. Austerity will turn to great beauty. Try in 2020.