Clos Fourtet - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2022

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

97

byJane Ansonthe3/7/2025

Vivid damson plum colour, medium to full intensity, toasted pine nuts and liquorice on the opening beats, still firm tannins and a ton of wet stone-tinged tannins, slate, pumice stone, texture and slow progression through the palate. Smoked caramel and cocoa bean add luscious sense of joy. This is a beautiful wine. Owner Matieu Cuvelier.

Decanter.com

98

byGeorgina Hindlethe3/7/2025

Tobacco, pencil lead, rubber, violets, dark chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon and mint. Silky, smooth and glossy, with depth but no heaviness. Piercingly fresh with a tang of liquorice and flint. Not fully open, narrowing towards the finish but exuding class. Acidity is excellent. While there are lots of impressive 2022s, this...

Wine Advocate

95

byYohan Castaingthe3/6/2025

The 2022 Clos Fourtet has turned out exceptionally well, offering an enticing bouquet of rose, plums, dark berries, licorice and spices. Medium to full-bodied, enrobing and seamless, it's deep and complete with a fleshy core of fruit, velvety tannins and a long, mineral and saline finish enhanced by notes of vibrant dark berries. As readers may remember, this blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc was matured for 18 months in 50% new barrels, used barrels and amphorae.

The Wine Cellar Insider

99

byJeff Levethe3/4/2025

Clos Fourtet

Jeb DUNNUCK

98

byJeb Dunnuckthe2/28/2025

The 2022 Clos Fourtet is based on a normal blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc that was brought up 40% new oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. It has incredibly pure aromatics of black cherries, black raspberries, scorched earth, graphite, white flowers, and truffly minerality. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, pure, detailed beauty that has flawless overall balance, a silky, elegant mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It's one of the more seamless, pretty, elegant wines in the vintage and should benefit from a decade of cellaring. It’s a fabulous expression of this crème de la crème terroir on the upper limestone plateau.

Yvesbeck.wine

99

byYves Beckthe2/25/2025

90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc Le bouquet de Clos Fourtet affiche d'entrée de la profondeur, tant par son côté filigrane que complexe. Les nombreuses nuances dédiées à la minéralité, au calcaire, aux fruits frais et mures créent une symbiose exceptionnelle. En bouche, le vin affiche certes de l'ampleur, mais son focus est bien plus dédié à l'harmonie entre puissance et fraîcheur. Les tannins frais confèrent une touche énergétique communément avec une acidité structurante et salivante. Un vin précis, lumineux, puissant et désaltérant. C'est un très grand Clos Fourtet ! 2028-2057 99/100

Vinous

97

byNeal Martinthe2/12/2025

The 2022 Clos Fourtet was aged in 40% new oak, a decrease from the previous year, with a slightly shorter élevage. It has an exquisite bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit scents, palpable mineralité and hints of crushed limestone percolating with time. This is so precise. The palate is very pure and tensile, framed by pliant tannins, a judicious touch of spice and a pixelated finish that is more elegant than any previous Clos Fourtet. What a fabulous Saint-Émilion from Mathieu Cuvelier and his team.

Jamessuckling.com

97

byJames Sucklingthe2/3/2025

Extremely aromatic with iron, chalk, lead pencil and currants following through to a medium to full body with integrated tannins that are polished and very long. Wonderful balance to this with just hints of fresh herbs like basil and thyme. A blend of 90% merlot, 7% cabernet sauvignon and 3% cabernet franc. Give this four or five years to come together.

Vinous

99

byAntonio Gallonithe1/28/2025

The 2022 Clos Fourtet is every bit as compelling as it was _en primeur_, maybe even a bit more so. Vertical and explosive, the 2022 offers a captivating mix of textural opulence and classic structure. The blend is 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. One of the key signatures of Clos Fourtet is the presence of Cabernet Sauvignon, which is rarely seen on the Saint-Émilion plateau but seems to add weight and gravitas here. Dark blue fruits, new leather, spice, menthol and espresso stain the palate as the 2022 gradually reveals its considerable pedigree. The 2022 was raised in a mix of 58% once-used barrels, 40% new oak and 2% amphora. More importantly, it is without question one of the wines of the vintage.

Wine Spectator

96

byJames Molesworththe12/9/2024

Wine Maniacs

94-95

byLin Liuthe5/30/2023

Decanter.com

98

byGeorgina Hindlethe5/25/2023

Gorgeous perfume on the nose, roses and violets, floral, expressive and so inviting. Sleek and straight from the start, the grip comes almost straight away - a crushed stone and graphite edge to the tannins giving cool freshness as well as bite. Feels suave and controlled, nothing too much or out of place. Refined and supremely elegant but still with a serious and dark core, it’s powerful and intense but that comes a few minutes after the playful juiciness and lively acidity settles. Complete and cool and puts you in St-Emilion on limestone with an inescapable and intense salty grip. Confident and supremely well made with a light touch. A yield of 36hl/ha. 3.54pH. Ageing 14-18 months; 40% new barrels, 58% second wine, 2% amphora, in underground cellars. Harvest 9 September - 27 September.

Alexandre Ma

97-99

byAlexandre Mathe5/17/2023

Clos Fourtet seemingly possesses a mystical power to transform all its encounters into "unique modesty," prompting even the most audacious heroes to bow their noble heads. Tasting this wine is like witnessing a bildungsroman unfold: beginning with shy notes of black plum and cherry blossom, the aromas gradually mature into the sophisticated scents of tobacco and cinnamon. While the storyline appears serene, it encapsulates a lifetime of cherished moments. With a tender palate, refined fruit flavors, and traces of warmness, Clos Fourtet 2022 is akin to engaging in conversation with a wise sage who has met countless storms, it discreetly conceals its pleasure beneath a poised countenance. If you seek to experience "the epitome of low-key luxury" in 2022, Clos Fourtet is the ultimate choice.

Vinous

95-97

byNeal Martinthe5/17/2023

The 2022 Clos Fourtet was picked from 9 to 27 September at 36hL/ha and vinified to a maximum of 24-26° Celsius. It has a gorgeous bouquet you could lose yourself in, with crushed strawberry, orange blossom and bunches of violet. The 40% new oak is extremely well integrated. The palate is refined with filigree tannins, one of the most mineral-driven Clos Fourtets I recall at this stage, with a sophisticated and harmonious finish. The prudent approach to the new oak pays rich dividends here. Mathieu Cuvelier and his team have overseen a sublime Saint-Émilion.

The Vintage Journal

95-96

byAndrew Caillard MWthe5/17/2023

Deep crimson. Intense dark plum, musky, mulberry, cassis aromas with touch of vanilla, roasted chesnut. Densely concentrated with lovely deep set dark plum, cassis fruits, fine grainy firm tannins and underlying savoury notes. Lovely wine with superb potential. (Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 60% new oak)

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

98

byJane Ansonthe5/16/2023

Mathieu Cuvelier marks 20 years of the Cuvelier family at Clos Fourtet with this vintage, and it's a wonderful attestation to the potential of limestone plateau location for coping with a changing climate in Bordeaux. Visually arresting in its deep plum and violet colour, with a luscious texture, and plenty of subtle red roses and peony floral aromatics. Creamy black and blue fruits, and sublimely well measured tannic extraction, with crunchy salinity on the finish, oyster shell and salt-flecked chocolate notes. Super smooth finish. First year with the addition of Les Grandes Murailles vineyard. Stéphane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants (working together since 2009). Not too interventionist, no cold soaks here, natural yeasts, with whole bunch ferments for the young vines. Harvest September 9 to 27. 3.54ph. 40% new oak, 58% second-fill barrels, 2% amphoras.

matthewjukes.com

18

byMatthew Jukesthe5/15/2023

The Wine Independent

96-98

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe5/15/2023

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2022 Clos Fourtet comes barreling out of the glass with profound notes of ripe, juicy black plums, boysenberry preserves, and Morello cherries, followed by suggestions of lilacs, clove oil, crushed rocks, and wood smoke. The full-bodied palate is rich and concentrated, with densely laden black and blue fruit layers offset by a zippy backbone and firm, rounded tannins, finishing with great persistence.

Yvesbeck.wine

97-99

byYves Beckthe5/10/2023

La fraîcheur de Clos Fourtet n'est pas une nouveauté. Néanmoins, la définition de la fraîcheur est encore plus évidente qu'à l'accoutumée et ceci est clairement lié au fait que les Grands Murailles, un cru que je vénère depuis des années, fait dorénavant partie intégrante de Clos Fourtet (et pour cela, j'en veux un peu à Mathieu Cuvelier, mais bien évidemment cela n'a pas d'impact sur mon jugement, quoique je n’oublie pas qu’il a cassé un de mes verres). Je relève d'entrée de la sérénité et de la clarté. Il me semble que Clos Fourtet, à l'image de quelques crus bordelais, n'est pas au courant qu'il s'agit de 2022 (mis à part qu’il est un peu tendre à l’attaque). Ainsi il affiche de l'énergie, de la profondeur, du tempérament et de la persistance. Une sortie de définition Super HD avec un nombre de pixels que l'on peut difficilement quantifier et une énergie digne de le mener au travers des décennies. Parallèlement, le vin est frais, friand, invitant. Un charmeur conquérant et incisif ¨ ! Et parce que je ne peux pas laisser passer cela sous silence, je finaliserai par un solennel « merci Grandes Murailles » !

Bettane & Desseauve

96

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/10/2023

Finale calcaire qui souligne une bouche profonde, au tannin parfaitement accompli. L’élevage devrait permettre à ce vin sculptural de gagner en nuances.

Jeb DUNNUCK

96-98

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/10/2023

Harvested around the 9th of September and based on 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc (it also includes grapes from the discontinued Grandes Murailles bottling), the 2022 Château Clos Fourtet reveals a vivid purple hue as well as aromatics of black cherries, blackberries, white flowers, and crushed stone. A quintessential Saint-Emilion from the upper plateau, it has an incredible sense of minerality as well as full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, a vibrant sense of freshness, and a great finish. The 2020 was brought up in 40% new barrels, with the balance in once-used oak and a tiny portion in clay amphora. Tasted twice.

Vinous

96-98

byAntonio Gallonithe5/9/2023

The 2022 Clos Fourtet is fabulous. Rich, sensual and layered, the 2022 bristles with the energy found in the best wines of the year. Clean veins of minerality frame a core of red/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, mint, rose petal and mocha. Simply put, the 2022 is a magical Clos Fourtet. This is the first vintage that incorporates fruit from what used to be Grands Murailles. Drinking window : 2032-2052

The Wine Cellar Insider

97-99

byJeff Levethe5/5/2023

With a dark, almost purple hue, the wine expresses flowers, licorice, smoke, black cherries, blue fruits, spice, salt and oyster shell. The fruits on the palate are long, rich, elegant, deep, and ripe. There is concentration, silky tannins, vibrancy, length and strong, mineral-influences on the mid-palate, and in the opulent, lively, long and intense finish. This is the first vintage where the parcels of Grandes Murailles were integrated into Clos Fourtet. The wine blends blending 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% ABV, 3.54 pH. The harvest took place, September 9 - September 27. Drink from 2027-2055.

Wine Advocate

94-96

byWilliam Kelleythe5/2/2023

Now incorporating the vineyards of the former Grand Murailles, the 2022 Clos Fourtet is lovely, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, plums, rose petals, orange zest and exotic spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, it's deep and complete, with a layered core of vibrant fruit and a long, saline finish. This is another terrific wine from this 19-hectare vineyard situated on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, just outside the village. It's a blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Jamessuckling.com

97-98

byJames Sucklingthe4/19/2023

This is broad and opulent with a full body and fine-grained, velvety tannins. Deep dark fruit, crushed violets and spices. Structured, layered and really long. Wow. So long and refined with great clarity.