Chateau Clos Fourtet 2004

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This estate seems to be going places, making in 2004 an impressively balanced wine that seems to walk a fine line just the right side of superripeness with consummate ease. It is elegant, yet powerful, dominated by a seamless combination of blackberry jelly fruits and dark, smoky tannins."

WEINWISSER: "Dunkles, dichtes Purpur, violetter Schimmer. Offenes, tiefgründiges Bouquet, blaue Beeren, leicht trocken, feine Tee- und Tabaknoten. Im Gaumen sehr saftig, hoch fein, Lakritze und Black Currant, enorm viel Charme und Souplesse, gebündeltes Finale."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Truffle, cigar box, tobacco, licorice, plum and coffee bean create the complex aromatics. Soft, silky black cherries, licorice, spice and minerality in the finish. The wine was made from a blend of 85% Merlot , 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A soft, fleshy cassis note intermixed with plum, fig, and truffle characteristics are present in this round, easy-going, medium-bodied St.-Emilion. While it does not possess the power, richness, or remarkable concentration of its siblings, the 2003 and 2005, it is a noteworthy success for this vintage. Consume it now and over the next 10-12 years."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Subtle aromas of forest fruit, meat and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a delicate berry, chocolate and earth aftertaste. Well done for the vintage. Best after 2009. 4,580 cases made."