1945 and 1947 Clos-Fourtet

1945 Clos-Fourtet:
Château bottled. Bottom neck fill. Perfect cork (soaked). Bottle came directly from the cellars of a British Lord and has layed in his cellar since release. Bright ruby, thin brick rim. Blueberries, rich, intense, gorgeous purity, leather, figs and tobacco behind. Elegant palate and fresh acidity. Some tannins still, delicate, layered, mouthwatering, very harmonious. Long and refreshing. In the 1983 Great Vintage Wine Book by Broadbent, 'Fine colour, nicely made but austere, Médoc-like. Long finish ***. Last tasted at Berry Bros in 1972. Drink now-1990'. This is exactly how I feel younger Clos-Fourtet's have behaved, even if the latest vintages have been less austere with more fruit. Still manages to make elegant Saint-Emilion.  95


1947 Clos-Fourtet:
Château bottle, mid-shoulder fill. Deep ruby, brick rim, floral, blueberries and some leather. A bit more fine tuned than the last bottle from same cellar and similar fill, not as intense, more fragrant. Fresh acidity, tannins gone, lively, fresh, elegant, feels quite pure. No notes from Broadbent. 94