Starts out slowly, this is well built and muscled, and has no desire to show its hand too quickly. Instead the concentrated yet cooling cassis and blueberry fruits build ever so slowly, the tannins lightly etched at first then tightening their grip. An excellent Clos Fourtet, up there with the brilliant 2018, and one that shows off the full potential of this excellent property to withstand the hot dry summers that are becoming so common in Bordeaux. A yield of 38hl/ha. 97 points

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Clos Fourtet has a knock-out nose of baked blueberries, boysenberries and stewed plums with hints of chocolate-covered cherries, spice cake, candied violets and woodsmoke plus a touch of cast-iron pan. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with layer upon layer of blue and black fruit preserves with loads of floral and mineral sparks and firm, rounded tannins, finishing long with fantastic energy and depth. If you`re looking for that "iron fist in a velvet glove" experience in 2019, look no further. 95-97+ points

The 2019 Clos Fourtet continues its strong run of form under the direction of Mathieu Cuvelier and his team. It sprints out of the blocks with intense blackberries, raspberry coulis, blood orange and crushed violet aromas, touches of iodine developing as it musters ever increasing delineation. The palate is medium-bodied but (as expected) contains more weight and girth compared to its peers. Firm grip, solid and yet graceful, there is a crescendo of flavours towards its heady, focused and very persistent finish. Wonderful salinity in the mouth, the aftertaste is one of the longest you will find on the Right Bank. Fabulous. 95-97 points