1997 Clos de Tart

Tasted at the pre-dinner vertical to mark Sylvain Pitiot's retirement from the domaine, The 1997 Clos de Tart Grand Cru is the one to go for over the 1998. There is a wonderful purity and terroir expression on the nose with bright redcurrant and cranberry leaf notes, wilted rose petals and bergamot tea. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, fine structure and balance. There is tangible freshness and vitality here with hints of dried apricot and marmalade adding another dimension on the finish. One sip and the glass will be empty! Tasted September 2015.

Deep ruby with lots of evolution at the rim. And a very developed bouquet – even a hint of oxidation. Very sweet and rather old fashioned. Sweet and rich and rather rustic tannins. This bottle tastes older than it should. But there is real life here. Low yield: 23 hl/ha with very ripe grapes. (JR)

Lots of new oak and sweet black fruit with deep, rich, ripe, supple, almost roasted flavors and good if not exceptional length. Enjoyable and quite forward but in a rather woody style as the oak imparts a somewhat creamy texture to the flavors and finish. Allen Meadows, Burghound 01/07/2004