La Closerie de Fourtet 2024

Brilliant ruby red; open nose with floral notes over dark fruit, blackberry, herbs, and a hint of grapefruit; on the palate, approachable and round on entry, then it tightens, with delicate red fruit, fine-grained, slightly powdery tannins, wonderfully fresh, focused and straight; a finish of very good length with spicy after-aromas.

A little shy on the nose: cool blueberries, soft liquorice and minty-fresh notes, with a touch of cedar. Clean and clear on the palate, with lovely purity and delicacy in the fruit flavours. Succulent and juicy, yet sleek and straight; it doesn’t have a lot of density, but the tannins are supportive and nicely fine. Delicate and gentle. This will be lovely to drink young. Clean and smooth. 25% of the production. The blend is mostly Cabernet Franc — massal selection from Cabernet Franc and young limestone plots of Clos Fourtet. Harvested 25 September to 6 October. Whole berries, no cold soak. Natural fermentation. pH 3.56.

Soft, elegant, fresh, medium-bodied wine packed with cherry and plum, with light touches of chocolate and just a hint of spearmint on the finish. This will be easy to enjoy in a bistro or café, as it is going to be delicious on release. The wine was made from blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. The wine comes from a parcel selection. Drink from 2027-2034. 89-91 pts

Enticing floral notes are followed by hints of black berries and mint in the bouquet of la Closerie. Carried by fine-grained tannins, the wine offers a mouthwatering structure and a long, elegant finish.

The nose is floral and fruity, with notable concentration and depth on fresh red fruits. It reveals notes of fleshy cherry, violet, and, more subtly, juicy/fleshy blackcurrant, joined by fine hints of rose, small wild red berries, red pepper, and a touch of wild pepper, Île de Ré. The palate is beautifully crafted—supple, juicy, fruity—with minerality, smoothness, a melodious feel, a zesty backbone, and overall harmony. It shows a lightly enveloping, pulpy fruit profile. On the palate, this wine delivers notes of juicy/fleshy red cherry and violet, and, more subtly, juicy/fleshy small blue fruits, accented by touches of cornflower, as well as hints of sweet blond tobacco, nutmeg, and vanilla. Good length. The tannins are elegant, plush, and precise. A lovely slight chew on the finish/persistence, with freshness and fine creaminess. In the background, a chocolatey hint, a touch of toasted almond, and floral notes on the finish/persistence.

Vivid ruby colour, tight tannins, cloves and lemongrass, slim in weight and fruit character, no cold soak but kept fermentation cool to around 26C, 30hl/h yield. Harvest 25 September to 5 October. 20% new oak. 30hl/ha. 3.56pH. The higher clay sections of the vineyard go into this, leaving the limestone expression for the main estate wine.

Deep, purplish colour. Moderately intense nose, fruity and lively. Supple, fruity, flavoursome palate with a taut structure. A touch of freshness on the finish. Will integrate with ageing. Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol: 13° - pH: 3.56.