Left Bank blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Merlot (27%) and a surprising 16% of Petite Verdot! Dark ruby color with black and purple highlights. Aromas of both red and black fruit, cedar, graphite and smoky minerals. Flavors of blackberry, raspberry and red/black currant fruit with additional flavors of tobacco, dark chocolate and savory spices. Long and expressive finish with exceptional balance and very smooth tannins. Great combination of fruit and tertiary notes. Exceptional QPR for good quality Bordeaux. Outstanding aging potential. Really appreciate you serving this one, Kase! — 14 days ago
Always great to stop through Hong Kong which is kind of Wine Tourism at its best out of region…. Picked up this very youthful bottle to evaluate: saturated almost black/purple in the glass; nose somewhat mute at first but after a day or so all blackberry and plum; first sip almost painfully intense, great acidity and velvet tannins. Long haul wine and great but not outstanding. I’m more in line with NM than AG’s 100 points. — 2 months ago
Clos Fourtet 2023 – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, 1er Grand Cru Classé. BDX, France 🇫🇷
Overview
A profoundly complete and multi-layered Saint-Émilion delivering depth, finesse, and seamless balance, driven by a 86% Merlot-dominant blend with 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon support. The wine unfolds progressively in the glass, revealing complexity and polish without heaviness, combining power with docility and precision in a remarkably composed expression.
Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry compote, ripe blackberry, plum reduction, crushed limestone, violet petals, dark cocoa, subtle espresso, sweet spice, graphite and gentle herbal lift.
Mouthfeel
Medium-plus to full-bodied with a silky, luscious texture, ultra-fine tannins, beautifully integrated acidity, layered mid-palate density, and a long, velvety finish that glides effortlessly while continuing to evolve.
Food Pairings
Prime rib, dry-aged ribeye, duck breast with cherry reduction, truffle risotto, mushroom bourguignon, aged Comté or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Verdict
An elite-level Clos Fourtet showing precision, complexity, and harmony at a very high register. It delivers both immediate pleasure and serious aging potential, balancing richness with clarity and refinement. A reference-point Saint-Émilion for the vintage.
🍷 Personal Pick
This is my kind of wine, layered, progressive, luxurious yet disciplined, and dangerously easy to drink. Silky, luscious, and perfectly balanced, it feels like a bottle that disappears far too quickly because every sip invites the next. My stamp. No pit stop needed, full throttle to the checkered flag. A simplified winner 🏆 — 2 months ago
Château Canon-La-Gaffelière 2023 – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Premier Grand Cru Classé
Overview
An immediately approachable yet confidently structured Saint-Émilion driven by Merlot 45% blend with Cabernet Franc 45% and Cabernet Sauvignon 10% as a support. Expressive dark fruit, polished tannins, and vibrant freshness combine to deliver a wine that feels energetic, juicy, and dangerously easy to drink while still carrying clear pedigree and depth.
Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe raspberry, plum skin, violet, crushed limestone, sweet baking spice, cocoa nib, subtle graphite and fresh herbal lift.
Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with a silky, flowing entry, finely textured tannins, lively yet integrated acidity, supple mid-palate juiciness, and a clean, polished finish that glides effortlessly.
Food Pairings
Grilled duck breast, pork tenderloin, herb-crusted lamb, mushroom tagliatelle, aged Gouda, charcuterie boards.
Verdict
A beautifully tuned balance between accessibility and sophistication. The wine shows clarity of fruit, finesse of structure, and immediate pleasure without sacrificing complexity, a modern, confident Saint-Émilion expression.
🍷 Personal Pick
This is pure driving joy, confident lines through the corners but relaxed enough to enjoy the scenery. Slightly juicy, deliciously drinkable, and dangerously charming, it’s the kind of bottle that disappears faster than expected while still leaving a serious impression. — 2 months ago
Steve Goore
I liked the uncharacteristic subtle sweetness from plum and dark fruits. Add a touch of leather and vanilla, soft tannins, and this one was smooth. Good stuff! — 20 days ago