Previously a fortified position that defended the village of Saint Emilion, Château Clos Fourtet is now a historic monument, still surrounded by walls. It has one of Saint Emilion's most remarkable cellars, hidden away in a series of underground chambers. For many years the property produced wines that did not express the full potential of the terroir. However, in 1998, thanks to the Lurton family, Clos de Fourtet's wines regained their true character. The property was bought by Philippe Cuvelier in 2001, the former boss of the Guilbert stationery and bookseller group. The consultant oenologist is Stéphane Derenoncourt.