Clos Fourtet 2005

Characteristics and tasting advice for Clos Fourtet 2005

Tasting

The first tastings reveal all the complexity of this vintage. This wine, both sunny and powerful, admirably reflects the specificities of the clay-limestone terroir as well as the unique characteristics of the vintage's climatology.

A refined Premier Grand Cru Classé from Saint-Émilion

The estate

Perched for centuries on the heights of the historic town of Saint-Émilion, Clos Fourtet embodies the region's heritage. Acquired in 2001 by the Cuvelier Family, the estate has established itself as a true icon of Saint-Émilion, offering wines with an intensely fruity texture, silky tannins of rare elegance, and a particularly unique aromatic expression.

The vineyard

A reference among the great wines of Saint-Émilion, Clos Fourtet comes from a 22-hectare vineyard. Located at the top of the appellation, where the limestone comes to the surface, the vineyard benefits from optimal drainage. The predominance of limestone gives the wine a freshness, minerality, and remarkable finesse, true signatures of this exceptional cru.

The vintage

A less rainy and cold winter until mid-March gave way to a relatively cool April. The arrival of higher temperatures encouraged a rapid start to vegetation. Between May and August, rainfall was scarce, with warm days, cool nights, and no heatwaves. The summer conditions, combined with cool nights in August and a mild September with refreshing rains, allowed a slow and steady evolution of the berries, leading to full maturity.

Vinification and aging

The grapes ferment in stainless steel tanks, with regular pump-overs. The maceration, lasting 25 to 30 days, is followed by a malolactic fermentation carried out in tank and barrel. The aging continues for 18 months in new barrels (80%).

Blend

Merlot (86%)
Cabernet sauvignon (8%)
Cabernet franc (6%)