France · Bordeaux

Clos Fourtet

Clos Fourtet is a Premier Grand Cru Classé B estate in Saint-Émilion, covering approximately 20 hectares on the limestone plateau immediately adjacent to the town walls of Saint-Émilion. The property is distinguished by its extraordinary network of ancient limestone quarry tunnels running beneath the vineyard — 17 kilometres in total — which serve as the estate's natural cellar and give the wines their definitive mineral character. The estate passed from the Lurton family to Philippe Cuvelier in 2001, who along with winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt drove a dramatic quality leap in the 2000s. The blend is approximately 85% Merlot with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the wines show the limestone plateau's character: structured and mineral with less of the lush, soft quality of the lower clay soils. Parker awarded 96 points to the 2005, 98 points to the 2009, and 97 to the 2010 — making the estate's output under Cuvelier consistently exceptional. With 647 lots averaging $135 per bottle, Clos Fourtet trades at the higher end of Premier Grand Cru Classé B properties, reflecting both the quality improvement and genuine scarcity — production is typically 5,000–6,000 cases annually. Older vintages from the limestone quarry tunnels, stored in perfect constant-temperature conditions, arrive at auction in exceptional provenance.