| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Like the 2004, cool blue fruit with floral flourishes. But the 2008 has superior mid-palate concentration, revealing yet another underrated vintage that you should purchase, as it came before the 'sexier' 2009 vintage. Much like the 2003, the 2008 surprises - but for an opposite reason. It exudes admirably subtle power, the alcohol balanced by the acidity. 'This wine has superb complexity coming from a long growing season and steady maturity,' commented consultant Stephane Derenoncourt at the tasting, which he prefers to the 2009 vintage. I prefer the 2008, too, for reflecting even more the 'minerality' of the limestone plateau. 3.66pH. (Drink between 2025-2070)
The 2008 Clos Fourtet is perhaps one of the underrated vintages of that decade. Picked between October 9 and 20 at 28.5 hl/ha, it has a fragrant nose with black cherries, bergamot, black tea and cedar, all with impressive delineation. I do not find the bell pepper scent that I noted five years ago. The palate is medium-bodied with finely sculpted tannins and plenty of dark berry fruit mixed with tea leaf/bay leaf. There's impressive grip on the fresh, sapid finish. Superb. Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023. (Drink between 2025-2040)
A strong effort, the 2008 was made from tiny yields of 28.5 hectoliters per hectare, and attained 14% natural alcohol. It reveals sweet licorice, black currant and blackberry fruit notes intermixed with truffle and asphalt characteristics in its pure, rich, opulent, full-bodied personality. One of the finest St.-Emilions of the vintage, it is far more accessible than the 2010 and should continue to drink well for 15-20 years.
Although oak is very obvious the richness of the fruit wins through. Fleshy damson and blackberry are well balanced by fresher raspberry all adding to the complexity. Towards the back powerful flavours enrich.
The harvest ran from October 9-20, and the 2008 Clos Fourtet tips the scales at 13% natural alcohol. A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, it exhibits an inky/purple color along with notes of pen ink, blackberry liqueur, and espresso roast, sensationally concentrated layers of pure black fruits, a full-bodied, powerful style, crisp acids, dense fruit, and ripe tannins. This brilliant 2008 may merit an even higher score after additional time in wood. It will evolve for 20-25 years.The resurrection of Clos Fourtet over the last 7-8 years is attributable to the vision and dedication of proprietor Cuvelier, along with his manager, Tony Balu (owner of the tiny garagiste estate called Pierre de Lune), and the incomparable consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt.
Tasted ex-château and single blind in Southwold. The Clos Fourtet 2008 has a ripe blackberry and raspberry scented bouquet with a touch alcoholic warmth. The palate is sweet and chewy on the entry, rather tart acidity with a slightly pinched on the finish, however, there is good weight of fruit underneath and I feel this just needs several years to meld together. Tasted January 2012.
