1978 Clos Fourtet
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Tasting notes
Mathieu Cuvelier was searching for my birth vintage to bring to dinner in Pomerol. Unable to locate a 1971, he brought a bottle from his own année de naissance instead. The 1978 Clos Fourtet displays open red fruit on the nose; it's a little ferrous and sharp, maybe just missing a bit of complexity, but still fresh. The palate is medium-bodied with intense tannins and a decent amount of sour cherry, with just a modicum of dryness on the finish. It's held up well, though I would not leave it too much longer.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The first wine in a line of good rather than superb Clos Fourtet's, the 1978 has settled down nicely in the bottle and reveals alluring scents of black currants, an open-knit, soft, ripe fruity texture, medium body, and a good finish with moderate tannins present. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 5/83.
About the producer
The Cuvelier family took over Clos Fourtet in 2001 and modernised the estate – renovating the winery and undertaking significant replanting. Its 18.5 hectares sit on the limestone plateau.