The Clos Fourtet 2011 has a lush nose of Tiptree strawberry jam redcurrant a touch of vanilla and boysenberry. It is nicely defined and quite feminine. The palate is medium-bodied with good structure on the entry and a fine firm backbone that suggests this will be a long-term Clos Fourtet. I like the cohesion on this Saint Emilion perhaps even a sense of restraint that is occasionally missing from the wines in their youth. It packs quite a punch on the finish with a firm grip on the off-dry finish. Excellent. Tasted April 2012.

Deep ruby colour, this was a dry but relatively cool vintage, and right now it is exuding class and balance. The tannins are beginning to fully soften and melt into the structure, releasing campfire smoke, tobacco, saffran and red cherries, all buoyed up by still-fresh acidites. Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants. 80% new oak, Mathieu Cuvelier owner.

85% merlot 10% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc on 20 hectares just outside the town of St. Emilion to the west and just to the north of Chateau Canon. After two outstanding performances in 2009 and 2010 expectations were high and given the vintage Clos Fourtet has put forth a very good effort. Aged in 75% new oak barrels. Purplish red color with an expressive nose of ripe red and black fruits fresh earth smoked meat and mineral aromas. The palate is medium-bodied but with grippy tannins and balanced acidity. A top notch effort that will age for two decades or more. Enjoy 2020-2030.

This is another brilliant offering from Philippe Cuvelier, who has totally revolutionized the quality of this famous estate. The 2011 Clos Fourtet exhibits a dense blue/purple color as well as beautiful notes of creme de cassis, blueberries and raspberries, a complete as well as layered mid-palate, sweet tannin, good acidity and a charming personality. This is a highly successful effort for the vintage. Consume it over the next 10-12 years. - Robert Parker

The 2011 Clos Fourtet has a well-defined and focused bouquet with black cherry, cassis and light violet aromas, almost Margaux-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, well-integrated oak with a cohesive and with touches of allspice and white pepper on the vibrant finish. Very fine. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting. -- Neal Martin