Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Clos Fourtet - 2000

Clos Fourtet 2000 is a distinguished red wine from the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, located in Bordeaux’s prestigious Libournais subregion. This château has garnered great respect for its classic style, and the 2000 vintage is particularly sought after due to the near-perfect growing conditions of that year. While blends can vary, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru reds typically feature Merlot as the dominant grape, complemented by Cabernet Franc and sometimes a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vinification focuses on highlighting the ripe fruit, fine tannins, and the unique minerality provided by the terroir. After careful sorting and fermentation, the wine is aged—often in oak barrels—to encourage complexity and depth, resulting in a rich structure and a capacity for long ageing.

The Saint-Émilion region stands as a jewel on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. The climate is temperate and moderately influenced by the Atlantic, with warm summers and mild winters. Clos Fourtet itself is sited on a limestone plateau just outside the medieval town of Saint-Émilion, which lends the wine its prized freshness and length. The soils are a mix of clay and limestone, known for producing reds with both power and elegance, and historical records show that vines have flourished here since Roman times.

For pairings, the concentrated and mature profile of a 2000 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru deftly complements hearty dishes. Slow-cooked lamb shoulder, venison stew, or roast beef will enhance the wine’s earthy depth. For a regional touch, try it alongside duck magret or a Bordelaise sauce. Mature hard cheeses such as aged Comté or Cantal also make excellent companions, their savoury notes harmonising with the wine’s tertiary complexity.

To savour Clos Fourtet 2000 at its best, decanting is highly recommended to let the bouquet open fully. Serve at 17-18°C in broad glasses, allowing the wine’s refined aromatics and silken texture to shine through.