2020 Clos Fourtet

A strong effort, the 2020 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc wafts from the glass with aromas of nectarine, pear, lemongrass, Sauvignon botanicals, toasted bread and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, it's rich and concentrated, with ripe acids and chalky structuring extract. It's not quite as vibrant and precise as the 2019, but it's a success nonetheless. ~ (94) William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 4-6-2023

~ (98) Antonio Galloni , Vinous 12-1-2022

~ (95) Neal Martin, Vinous 12-1-2022

Subtle aromas of orange peel, sweet tobacco and currants follow through to a medium body, fine tannin texture and a fresh finish. Extremely tight now, but persistent at the finish. Classy. Best of the triology. Drink after 2027. ~ (97) James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 12-20-2022

Attractively and intriguingly perfumed. Not the most refreshing and compelling offering from this producer. It is very much a product of the vintage so is a little exaggerated and drying on the end. But it holds its alcohol reasonably well. ~ (16) Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com 11-9-2022

Much more closed and backward now from bottle, the 2020 Château Clos Fourtet is nevertheless a brilliant Saint-Emilion that ranks with the crème de la crème of the vintage. A blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc, its deep purple hue is followed by an incredibly pure, classic Saint-Emilion bouquet of darker cherry and cassis-like fruit as well as chalky minerality, lead pencil shavings, and white flowers. Concentrated, full-bodied, and flawlessly balanced, it has perfectly integrated oak, an incredible sense of minerality, good acidity, and a great finish. It's going to need a solid decade of bottle age but will evolve for 30-40+ years in cold cellars. The Château deserves far more attention in the market today as they’re consistently producing some of the greatest wines in a vintage. ~ (97) Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 3-29-2023