1999 Clos de Sarpe
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Tasting notes
The 1999 Clos de Sarpe is actually better than the 1998: more delineation and freshness, a mélange of red and black fruit and touches of peppermint and orange blossom. The palate is medium-bodied with candied red cherry and Hoisin, veins of white pepper and a bit of ginger. There is more freshness and tension here compared to the 1998, with respectable length. This is a 1999 Saint-Émilion that has aged well and should continue to give pleasure.
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Robert Parker
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Château Clos de Sarpe is also beautiful, and while it shares aromatics with the 1998 (tobacco, cigar, subtle oak and dark fruits), it's more elegant, medium to full-bodied, and seamless on the palate. The balance here is spot on, its tannins are ripe and polished, and it has wonderful purity of fruit, all pointing to a brilliant Saint-Emilion that will have a long life.
The 1999 Clos de Sarpe is medium to deep garnet-brick in color and gives up intense notions of new leather, incense, spice box and unsmoked cigars over a core of kirsch, preserved plums and figs. Medium-bodied with a great core of mid-palate fruit and tons of spicy layers, it has velvety tannins and a long, mineral-tinged finish.
There are approximately 1,000 cases of this stunning St.-Emilion, which, since 1998 has emerged as one of the biggest, richest, fullest-bodied wines of the appellation. It can border on being rustic, but there is so much power, depth, and concentrated fruit that serious Bordeaux consumers need to give it a try. The 1999 may not compare to the other-worldly 2000, or powerful 1998, but it is a rich, deep ruby/purple-colored effort offering gorgeous aromas of black raspberries, licorice, earth, and toast. The wine is highly-extracted, rich, and full-bodied, with moderately high tannin. It is a behemoth for the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018. Wine Advocate.April, 2002
About the producer
This small Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé estate is a FINE+RARE favourite. Run by Maylis Marcenat, the fourth generation of her family to do so, the 3.7-hectare vineyard has old vines and limestone soils, producing wines of incredible freshness and great ageability.