Chateau Clos Fourtet 2012

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Having just had the 2003 and 2005 from my cellar, I can attest to the magnificent turnaround in quality this famous estate on the eastern side of St.-Emilion has achieved. All of it is attributable to its dynamic proprietor, Philippe Cuvelier. The 2012 Clos Fourtet (usually 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc) has beautiful blackberry and blueberry fruit and an inky purple color. With flawless integration of acidity, tannin, wood and alcohol, a full-bodied mouthfeel and stunning richness, this is impressive and certainly one of the vintage's top wines. It should evolve beautifully for 15-20 years, and be drinkable in 3-4. Yields were a modest 32 hectoliters per hectare with the alcohol at 14%."

WEINWISSER: "Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Vielschichtiges Bouquet, schön füllig und ausladend, alle Facetten von blauen bis schwarzen Beeren, fast rahmig oder zumindest laktisch. Im Gaumen mitunter die nobelsten Tannine des Jahrgangs zeigend. Klasse heisst ja auch Finesse, und hier findet man beides in verschwenderischer Form."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Licorice, truffle, cherry pipe tobacco and dark chocolate scents create the attention seeking perfume. Full bodied, rich and concentrated, the wine is lush, round and rich, with a long, sweet, fleshy, silky, fruit filled finish."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Powerful and concentrated, this is a firmly textured wine with a dark, solid, dense character. The palate balances fine acidity and fruit with a dark, brooding structure."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Gorgeous, with a pure, unadorned violet aroma giving way to very ripe and stylish plum, boysenberry and blackberry fruit. Offers a suave mouthfeel, with anise and tobacco hints filling the background. A finely stitched chalk note extends the finish. Not shy on depth, and sneakily long. Best from 2017 through 2030. 3,500 cases made."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A silky and shy red with blueberry and bramble berry character. Full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. It grows on the palate. Lovely tannin texture."

DECANTER: "Expressive red and dark fruit nose. Palate plush, ripe and harmonious. Fresh and long on the finish. Fine grained tannins. Gets the nod over 2011."