As readers may have surmised from previous comments regarding Clos Fourtet, this estate is quickly emerging from a moribund period. It is a St.-Emilion to keep an eye on. An impressive saturated purple color indicates a wine of strength and power. In the mouth, it exhibits the vintage's high tannin level, but the tannins are balanced by layers of ripe cassis fruit, attractive smoky elements, and fine glycerin and length. This is a forceful, impressively constituted, potentially outstanding Clos Fourtet that needs 3-4 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2018.