The highly anticipated release of Clos Fourtet 2023 marks a defining moment in this year's Bordeaux En Primeur campaign.
Offered at GBP 840 (EUR 986) per 12×75, the release represents a significant 25.5% price reduction compared to the 2022 vintage, making it one of the most compelling buys of the campaign. The wine is already turning heads thanks to critical acclaim and a more accessible price point.
Critical Acclaim Elevates the 2023 Vintage
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW has hailed Clos Fourtet 2023 as "a real head-turner," awarding it 95–97 points and praising its intense red berry fruit, baking spice layers, and precision-driven tension.
Other top critics have echoed her sentiment:
- William Kelley (The Wine Advocate): 94–96 pts — "Especially suave and refined."
- James Lawther MW (Jancis Robinson): 17+/20 — "Aromatically complex and enticing."
- Neal Martin (Vinous): 92–94 pts — "Superb and more classically styled than 2022."
- Antonio Galloni (Vinous): 94–96 pts — "Benchmark example from the limestone plateau."
- Jane Anson: 95 pts — "White flowers, cassis, black cherry, and a tactile limestone feel."
Pricing and Market Context
The 2023 vintage is released at EUR 70 per bottle ex-négociant, significantly down from EUR 94 for the 2022, showing a strategic alignment with market demand for value.
Compared to recent vintages:
- 2022: GBP 1,128 (EUR 1,325)
- 2023: GBP 840 (EUR 986)
The 2023 release is an attractive entry point for both investors and collectors, delivering high critical praise at a discounted price, and positioning itself well for future appreciation.
Back Vintage Opportunities
Buyers seeking alternatives may also consider the following vintages, offering strong critic scores and stable market value:
-
Clos Fourtet 2015:
- 97 pts (Neal Martin)
- GBP 870 (EUR 1,022) — Up 21.7% from release
- Combines maturity, critic confidence, and growth potential
-
Clos Fourtet 2019:
- 98 pts (Jane Anson)
- Priced at 8.3% less than the 2023 release
- A compelling value proposition for top-tier drinking or cellaring
-
Clos Fourtet 2020:
- 95 pts
- GBP 861 (EUR 1,011)
- Offers a modern classic with balance and finesse
Conclusion: A Benchmark Vintage, A Buyer’s Opportunity
Clos Fourtet 2023 is shaping up to be a cornerstone vintage from Saint-Émilion. With praise from the world's leading wine critics and a release price that is both competitive and appealing, this is a wine that commands attention.
For those building a cellar or diversifying a wine investment portfolio, Clos Fourtet 2023 is a must-consider addition. And for those exploring broader value, the 2015, 2019, and 2020 vintages remain relevant and rewarding options.
Source: Liv-ex