Clos Fourtet Winery Clos Fourtet is located in the historic center of Saint-Émilion, right next to the medieval city walls. The estate has been used as a vineyard for centuries and has been repositioned in modern times as one of the appellation's benchmarks. The vineyards are situated on the limestone plateau and are cultivated with great precision. Clos Fourtet is known for its combination of structure, freshness, and ageing potential, with wines that clearly reveal their provenance. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab. Saint-Émilion and the 2021 vintage Saint-Émilion is known for wines with texture, aromatic complexity, and a refined tannic structure. The limestone plateau surrounding Clos Fourtet creates tension and a pronounced mineral undertone. The 2021 vintage was characterized by a cool growing season with limited sunshine. This resulted in wines with lower alcohol, fresh acidity, and a more restrained power. At Clos Fourtet, this resulted in a wine less built on volume, but excelling in precision, energy, and a clear reflection of the location and year. Vineyards and terroir of Clos Fourtet The Clos Fourtet vineyards are situated on the famous limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion. These soils provide natural drainage and give the wines their characteristic tension and freshness. The ancient walls surrounding the estate create a protected microclimate, which contributes to even ripening. The plots are carefully cultivated and harvested separately. This plot-based approach allows the characteristics of the soil and vintage to be accurately reflected in the final wine. Grape varieties and composition The 2021 Clos Fourtet is dominated by Merlot, supplemented by smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot provides roundness and texture, while the Cabernet grapes add structure, freshness, and aromatic tension. This composition fits well with the cooler character of the vintage and emphasises the minerality and tension of the terroir. Harvest and vinification The harvest took place with a strong focus on selection and timing, ensuring a balance between ripeness and freshness. After arriving in the cellar, the grapes were carefully processed, with a controlled fermentation focused on gentle extraction. Vinification was aimed at preserving finesse and precision. Maturation took place in oak, where the use of wood continues to support the wine and enhances the structure and aromatic complexity without becoming dominant. Magnum size and maturation advantage This wine is offered in a magnum format. The larger bottle size allows for slower and more even aging than in a standard bottle. This promotes the integration of tannins and acidity and significantly extends the drinking window. For a wine with the structure and tension of Clos Fourtet, a magnum is particularly well-suited for extended cellar aging. Color, smell and taste In the glass, the wine reveals a deep ruby red color. The aroma is intense and layered, with flavors of dark berries, plum, and blue fruit, complemented by notes of spice, leather, incense, and a subtle smokiness. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a firm yet refined structure. The tannins are powdery and provide grip without being harsh. The flavor profile combines dark fruit with mineral and spicy notes. The finish is long, energetic, and tightly structured. Structure, style and storage potential The 2021 Clos Fourtet is a wine that clearly benefits from age. The style is classic and slightly austere in its youth, with an emphasis on tension and precision over volume. Thanks to its fresh acidity and solid tannin structure, this wine has excellent aging potential. In magnum format, it will develop particularly slowly and harmoniously, with increasing complexity and refinement. Summary of professional reviews William Kelley rates the 2021 Clos Fourtet 92 points, praising its refinement, powdery tannins, and elegant structure. Anton