Clos Fourtet St Emilion Grand Cru 2003 750ml

Clos Fourtet, a Premier Grand Cru Classé on the limestone plateau just outside the walls of Saint-Émilion, was acquired by the Cuvelier family in 2001, and the 2003 was an early triumph of their ownership. In a vintage defined by a record-breaking summer heat wave, the estate's cool limestone soils helped the vines keep balance and freshness. Wine Advocate awarded it 98 points, calling it "one of the vintage's superstars," with blackberry, licorice, violets and chalky minerality on a full-bodied, voluptuous and pure palate. The Merlot-dominant blend is now in full maturity and should drink beautifully through 2030.