The 2011 Clos Fourtet is a Bordeaux Blend from the Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Clos Fourtet, this wine is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Aged in 75% new oak barrels, this wine boasts an alcohol content of 13.5%.
Jeff Loo of JJ Buckley gives the wine a score of 94, describing it as having a "purplish red color with an expressive nose of ripe red and black fruits, fresh earth, smoked meat, and mineral aromas." He notes that the palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins and balanced acidity. Loo commends it as "a top notch effort that will age for two decades or more," advising consumption between 2020 and 2030.
Neal Martin from Neal Martin's Wine Journal rates the wine at 95, praising its "lush nose of Tiptree strawberry jam, redcurrant, a touch of vanilla, and boysenberry." He highlights the wine's structure and fine firm backbone, suggesting it will be a long-term Clos Fourtet. Martin finds the finish to have a "firm grip on the off-dry finish" and calls it "excellent."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with a score of 93, notes the wine's "dense blue/purple color" and "beautiful notes of creme de cassis, blueberries, and raspberries." The review commends the wine's "layered mid-palate, sweet tannin, good acidity, and charming personality," deeming it a "highly successful effort for the vintage." The recommended consumption period is within 10-12 years.
Wine Spectator also gives it a score of 93, describing it as "sleek, with wonderfully focused cassis, blackberry, and plum fruit," and highlighting its "polished tannins" and "buried minerality on the finish." The publication suggests drinking it between 2016 and 2026.
Vinous, with a score of 92, describes the wine's "well-defined and focused bouquet with black cherry, cassis, and light violet aromas, almost Margaux-like in style." The review notes the "lithe tannins, well-integrated oak," and a "vibrant finish" with touches of allspice and white pepper.
Wine Enthusiast awards it 95 points, calling it a "continuing success" that is both "rich and seriously structured." The review mentions its "mineral character" and "generous blackberry fruits," advising not to drink it before 2018.
Jane Anson, scoring it 94, highlights its "deep ruby color" and notes that it "exudes class and balance." She mentions the tannins are softening, releasing "campfire smoke, tobacco, saffron, and red cherries," with still-fresh acidities.
Overall, the 2011 Clos Fourtet is highly regarded for its structure, complexity, and aging potential, making it a noteworthy choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.