2001 was the first vintage under the Cuvelier family, and at 22 years old this still retains a deep rose-red colour, and the most stunning nose, with aromatics of crushed rose petals, white truffles, leather and soot. The fruit character remains intense, raspberry and redcurrant of a cooler, finessed vintage, heading to sweet fragrant wild strawberry as it opens, with touches of walnut and nutmeg spice. So alive, and so moreish, superb. Tony Ballu remained as winemaker with the change of owners, as he had been since replacing Pierre Lurton here in 1991, 100% new oak. Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants.

The 2001 Clos Fourtet has aged very gracefully, offering up aromas of dark berry fruit mingled with cigar wrapper, rich soil tones and smoke. Medium to full-bodied, layered and supple, it's a seamless, lively wine; and given the refinements that have taken place since, it bodes very well for the evolution of the Derenoncourt-era wines produced at this property.

The 2001 Clos Fourtet was the maiden vintage under the Cuvelier family. It has matured extremely well over the last 22 years. Picked between October 2 and 11 at 33 hl/ha, this has an exquisite bouquet with pure red fruit, raspberry and orange rind, hints of singed leather and crushed stone emerging with aeration. The aromas unfurl beautifully. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and crisp acidity, suggestions of dried blood and white pepper infusing the red berry fruit. It fans out nicely on the finish. Do not underestimate this Clos Fourtet that is now à point . Tasted at the Clos Fourtet vertical in April 2023.

An up and coming estate in the St.-Emilion firmament thanks to a new owner, the 2001 Clos Fourtet appears to be even better than the 2000. Aromas of blackberries, camphor, and sweet toasty oak emerge from this medium to full-bodied, heady, seductive, rich, luscious St.-Emilion. Loaded with fruit and extract, there is not a hard edge to be found in this beautifully textured, plump, sexy offering. Enjoy it over the next 12-14 years.

Red-ruby. Redcurrant, tobacco and smoky oak on the nose. Sweet, insinuating flavors of redcurrant, game and tobacco nicely framed by firm acidity. Finishes with dusty tannins, good length, and some slightly autumnal notes.

Mid-crimson. Scented. Lively. Really quite light, but well balanced. Juicy. Slightly inky end. Tough end. (JR)