2012 Clos Fourtet Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1x750ml

Vinous 92

The 2012 Clos Fourtet was picked October 9 to 17 at 36 hl/ha. It is a wine that has been a bit variable over the years, though this is a better example. It is very lively on the nose, with scents of blueberry, raspberry and orange pith, a subtle note of mint coming through with time. It opens beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with hints of dark chocolate and espresso, plenty of dark berry fruit and a keen thread of acidity. There’s good substance, though not a tannic Clos Fourtet. This is drinking extremely well right now and is certainly better than the bottle at the 10-Years-On tasting. Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023. [Neal Martin, 05/01/2025]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2040

Robert Parker 93-95

The 2012 Clos Fourtet was cropped at 32 hectoliters per hectare and achieved 14% natural alcohol. The final blend was 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. It offers an opaque dense purple color along with attractive blackberry, licorice, truffle and cassis fruit notes. It is full-bodied and dense with an authoritative mid-palate, sweet tannin and a layered mouthfeel that builds incrementally into a stunningly long finish. Precocious and charming already, it will drink better at an earlier age than the massive, prodigious 2009. Drink this killer St.-Emilion over the next 15+ years. [Robert Parker, 04/01/2013]

Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028