[REVIEW] Clos Fourtet (1989) Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux

Clos Fourtet (1989)

Rating: 91 / 100

Honest old‑school Bordeaux: Merlot‑dominant with Cabernet Franc, from limestone plateau and côtes. I slow‑decanted directly from bottle to glass.

Nose:

• ⁠Dried black fruits: Plum, black cherry confit,…

• ⁠Mature: leather, old cedar chest, parchment

• ⁠Earth & limestone: damp stone, cellar mold

• ⁠Very little manure, no volatile acidity, no excessive nuttiness

Palate:

Texture & structure

• ⁠Medium‑bodied

• ⁠Tannins fully resolved, silky and fragile

• ⁠Acidity extremely soft, no sharpness

Flavors

• ⁠Dried prune

• ⁠Sous‑bois

• ⁠Savory umami

• ⁠Old oak

Finish:

• ⁠Refined, elegant, medium‑long

• ⁠Ends on tobacco leaf

• ⁠Very little bitterness

• ⁠Clean but fairly quick fade

Evolution after 15 minutes:

• ⁠Beautiful interplay of tobacco, truffle, and graphite

• ⁠Mature Merlot sweetness

• ⁠Cigar humidor, dark cocoa powder

• ⁠Sweet spice: clove, allspice

Evolution after 60 minutes:

• ⁠Gains aroma

• ⁠Remains balanced

• ⁠Fruit continues to thin

• ⁠Finish shortens noticeably

Overall:

At peak maturity and beginning its gentle decline, but still deeply satisfying for those who appreciate nuance over intensity.