At a glance

Producer

Château Clos Fourtet

Region

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$180-$250 per bottle

Tasting profile

Dark cherry and blackberry fruit dominate with hints of tobacco, graphite, and cedar.

Evolution: Developing complexity towards earth, leather, truffle, and spice notes over next decade.

At peak: Silky tannins, deeply integrated tertiary aromas, persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus acidity providing freshness and balance

Tannins

Firm, ripe, well-integrated with potential to soften over next 5-10 years

Alcohol

Around 14.5%

Aging potential

30-40 years with proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2049

Optimal window

2024 to 2052

Current status

Approaching optimal drinkability, still developing complexity

Current condition

Shows youthful tannins and vibrant fruit, balanced structure

Clos Fourtet 2017, a top Premier Grand Cru Classé B from St-Émilion, benefits from the vintage’s excellent growing conditions coupled with producer expertise, allowing for long-term aging. The structure and concentration suggest 10+ years before peak maturity.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with roasted lamb, beef short ribs, mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses, and hearty stews.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow tannins to soften and aromas to open up, especially in younger vintages.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Integrated pest management, reduced chemical inputs, soil conservation, use of cover crops, and modern water saving irrigation systems.

While not certified organic or biodynamic, Clos Fourtet is attentive to environmental impact and sustainability through proactive vineyard management and resource efficiency, placing it above-average but not fully organic.