95 Robert Parker
The 2009 Clos Fourtet is medium to deep garnet colored and opens on a medicinal/Band-Aid note, giving way to appealing baked red and black fruit notes with touches of dried herbs, tree bark, chargrill and a ferrous waft. The palate is full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and plenty of muscular fruit, finishing earthy and just a little hard. <br/>
95 Vinous
Neal Martin: The 2009 Clos Fourtet has a generous and opulent bouquet with red cherries, kirsch, fig and light mocha aromas that gently unfold, retaining admirable definition and poise. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, good structure. A more masculine, serious finish exerts impressive control. This is a classy Saint-Émilion with plenty of ageing potential. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.
95 Robert Parker
The 2009 Clos Fourtet is medium to deep garnet colored and opens on a medicinal/Band-Aid note, giving way to appealing baked red and black fruit notes with touches of dried herbs, tree bark, chargrill and a ferrous waft. The palate is full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and plenty of muscular fruit, finishing earthy and just a little hard. <br/>
95 Vinous
Neal Martin: The 2009 Clos Fourtet has a generous and opulent bouquet with red cherries, kirsch, fig and light mocha aromas that gently unfold, retaining admirable definition and poise. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, good structure. A more masculine, serious finish exerts impressive control. This is a classy Saint-Émilion with plenty of ageing potential. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.
18 Rene Gabriel
Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Feines, süssbeeriges Bouquet, Himbeeren und Kirschen, milchiger Schimmer darüber. Im Gaumen mit schönem Stoff und eleganten Tanninen, Milchkaffeetouch, gut balanciert aber trotz dessen angezeigten Grösse irgendwie unspektakulär. Die Finessen und die Klasse sind aber da.<br/><br/>warten (2015 - 2034)
18 Rene Gabriel
Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Feines, süssbeeriges Bouquet, Himbeeren und Kirschen, milchiger Schimmer darüber. Im Gaumen mit schönem Stoff und eleganten Tanninen, Milchkaffeetouch, gut balanciert aber trotz dessen angezeigten Grösse irgendwie unspektakulär. Die Finessen und die Klasse sind aber da.<br/><br/>warten (2015 - 2034)
94 James Suckling
Tons of black fruit, plenty of smoke and some balsamic character make a dramatic statement on the nose. On the palate there's rather sweet fruit at the front, then major tannins come through at the finish that still need time to fully resolve. Better after 2022.
93 Wine Spectator
Rather ripe, but nicely framed by singed apple wood, which keeps the core of damson plum, black currant and black cherry flavors at bay for now. Licorice root and black tea notes undercut the finish, which is on the grippy side. This opens steadily in the glass, too. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2027. 3,750 cases made. –JM
93 Wine Spectator
Rather ripe, but nicely framed by singed apple wood, which keeps the core of damson plum, black currant and black cherry flavors at bay for now. Licorice root and black tea notes undercut the finish, which is on the grippy side. This opens steadily in the glass, too. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2027. 3,750 cases made. –JM