2010 Clos St Martin

The 2010 Clos Saint-Martin is even deeper in color than the 2009, almost opaque. I much prefer the nose compared to the previous vintage - it demonstrates much more energy and freshness, and brighter red fruit laced with orange zest and a hint of marmalade. The palate is medium-bodied and structured on the entry, delivering fine grip and sharper acidity than the 2009, so it is missing that vintage’s roundness and plush texture. Hints of pencil lead develop toward the linear finish, completing a superb Saint-Émilion that will offer 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted at a vertical of recent vintages at the château.

Sweet yeast extract on the nose. Some lift and freshness. Inky and juicy. But this needs time. A bit tarry. (JR)

This wine has the classic licorice, lavender, and kirsch notes that one finds frequently in a very ripe vintage from the southern Rhone. However, the tannic structure associated with Bordeaux comes through on the palate of this dense, full-bodied wine. There is elegance combined with intensity, richness, purity and splendid concentration in its full-bodied texture. This is a beauty and a return to form for this tiny little gem of a property. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. Once again, this wine has a Lafleur/Pomerol-ish quality to it. One of the tiniest vineyards in St.-Emilion, located just outside the village's stone walls, next to, of all things, a cemetery, Clos Saint-Martin consists of a mere 3.2 or so acres. Proprietor Sophie Fourcade utilizes the services of Michel Rolland for harvesting and winemaking decisions. The blend in the 2010 is 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, with yields at 34 hectoliters per hectare and a finished alcohol of 14.5%.