2001 Clos Fourtet
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2001 Clos Fourtet was the maiden vintage under the Cuvelier family. It has matured extremely well over the last 22 years. Picked between October 2 and 11 at 33 hl/ha, this has an exquisite bouquet with pure red fruit, raspberry and orange rind, hints of singed leather and crushed stone emerging with aeration. The aromas unfurl beautifully. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and crisp acidity, suggestions of dried blood and white pepper infusing the red berry fruit. It fans out nicely on the finish. Do not underestimate this Clos Fourtet that is now à point . Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
2001 was the first vintage under the Cuvelier family, and at 22 years old this still retains a deep rose-red colour, and the most stunning nose, with aromatics of crushed rose petals, white truffles, leather and soot. The fruit character remains intense, raspberry and redcurrant of a cooler, finessed vintage, heading to sweet fragrant wild strawberry as it opens, with touches of walnut and nutmeg spice. So alive, and so moreish, superb. Tony Ballu remained as winemaker with the change of owners, as he had been since replacing Pierre Lurton here in 1991, 100% new oak. Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants.
The 2001 Clos Fourtet has aged very gracefully, offering up aromas of dark berry fruit mingled with cigar wrapper, rich soil tones and smoke. Medium to full-bodied, layered and supple, it's a seamless, lively wine; and given the refinements that have taken place since, it bodes very well for the evolution of the Derenoncourt-era wines produced at this property.
Round, traditional, fruitcake nose. Very sweet and evolved – rather Figeac-like. Light, refreshing, rather atypical of modern right bank wines. Not suitable for those who seek mass. Fresh finish. Appetising. (JR)
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.