2019 Clos Fourtet - Saint-Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classe B

Decanter.com – 96 pts – PK: *Compared to the 2018, this vintage displays a cooler aspect to go with the ripe red and black fruit: more tobacco leaf than glycerine. Even if the alcohol and pH are similar, this vintage was aged in less new oak, and was the first to include some amphorae. The tannins are noticeable at this very early stage, even slightly more aggressive than those of the 2018. But when they settle down, the 2019 will overtake the 2018, at least because of slightly better balance. 3.6pH.* - 04/2023

Falstaff Magazin – 94 pts – PM: *Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, dezente Randaufhellung. Dunkle Beeren, Zwetschken, etwas Nugat, dezent mit Mandarinenzesten unterlegt, etwas scheues Bukett. Engmaschig, sehr mineralisch, salzig, rote Kirschfrucht, reife Tannine, dezente Extraktsüße, zart kräuterwürzig im Abgang, mittlere Länge, wirkt im Moment noch etwas unterentwickelt und spröde.* - 04/2023

Vinum Magazin – 17,5/20 pts: *Zurückhaltende Aromatik auch nach dem Ausbau; rund und sehr ausgewogen, dicht, samten, ideale Länge; durch und durch empfehlenswert.* - 08/2022

JancisRobinson.com – 18/20pts – JR: *Tasted blind. Correct and classy but very reined-in. Taut finish and no opulence. But it grew in the glass.* - 01/2023

JamesSuckling.com - (95-96) pts - JS: *A beautiful core of ripe fruit in the center palate with deep, dark-chocolate undertones. It’s full-bodied with layers of fruit and ripe tannins. Flavorful finish.* - 06/2020

Vinous.com – 97 pts – AG: *The 2019 Clos Fourtet is positively stellar, just as it was from barrel. It presents a beguiling mix of dense, plush fruit packed into a classically structure frame. The first impression is one of opulence, until the minerality of Saint-Émilion's famed plateau begins to emerge. Black cherry, plum, leather, exotic spice, licorice and blood orange build into the statuesque, explosive finish. The 2019 is a magnificent effort from the Cuvelier family and long time consulting winemaker Stephane Derenoncourt.* - 01/2022

Vinous.com – 93+ pts – NM: *The 2019 Clos Fourtet has a stubborn and backward bouquet with sultry black fruit, quite tertiary in style, antique bureau and woodbines. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent blackberry and blueberry fruit, maybe just a little cloying compared to its peers despite the velvety and caressing finish. One for those who like modern Saint-Émilion but it needs serious cellaring time. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.* - 01/2023

Thewinecellarinsider.com – 98 pts – JL: *Even better in the bottle after its aging period, the wine explodes with flowers, black cherries, plums, mint, espresso, cocoa, licorice and crushed rocks. The wine is full-bodied, opulent, rich, silky, fresh and long. The palate is coated with layers of dark red pit fruits with that elusive touch of salt, silky tannins and purity in the fruits that radiate from the mid-palate continuing all the way through to the long, velvety, harmonious finish. Give this at least a few years in the cellar and it should offer pleasure for the following 3 decades with ease. Drink from 2025-2055.* - 03/2022