1975 Clos de Sarpe

It’s pretty rare to find Claret that has been maturing un-moved for almost half a century – and it’s just so for this 1975 Clos de Sarpe. We were lucky enough to taste this twice, once at the château back in April 2024 and again in our London office. The wine was made by current owner/winemaker Maylis Marcenat’s great-uncle, Yvan Beyney. Back then the wines saw long, cool macerations (50 days) and were matured exclusively in concrete tank (for circa four years), creating a fresh and age-worthy style. Just 12.5% alcohol, with the typically low pH of this special limestone site shining through, the 1975 is in impressive shape. The nose takes a bit of time to open up, shaking off its more leafy, undergrowth notes to reveal hints of five spice, tobacco and dried red fruit alongside that typically old Bordeaux sous-bois and truffle. On the palate, the wine is remarkably fresh – elegant in its medium body, with fully resolved, sweet tannins – giving it a chiselled structure. There’s still some lovely fruit, mouth-watering acidity and a long, leather-scented finish. Deliciously old school – this will hold for a year or two, but is best drunk now. Recorked in 2020.