Clos Fourtet Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2022 375ml

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.

• Country: France
• Region: Bordeaux
• Appellation: Saint Emilion
• Size: 375ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Red Bordeaux

There are few regions in the world with stricter regulations in regards to wine production and grape varietals than those found in Bordeaux, France. Here, in the home of the world’s finest wines, the type and quality of grapes used is of utmost importance, and the legendary wineries which work on the banks of the Gironde river have mastered the careful art of juice blending to find the perfect balance for their produce. Whilst there are six ‘official’ Bordeaux grapes, the two key varietals for almost every fine Bordeaux wine are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and with good reason. Whilst Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are renowned for their acidity and astringency, strong fruit and spice flavors and full body, Merlot grapes are notably rounded, soft, fleshy and lighter on tannin. The combination of these two varietals, along with a small percentage of (commonly) Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc, is the perfect balancing act ”“ the two grape varietals cancel out each others weaker points, and accentuate all that is good about the other.