2001 Clos de Sarpe
Buying options
Tasting Notes
This may be the biggest, richest, most intensely concentrated wine of the vintage in St.-Emilion (much like it was in 2000). Sadly, there are only 900 cases of this unfined/unfiltered 85% Merlot / 15% Cabernet Sauvignon blend (made from yields of 23 hectoliters per hectare), most of which comes from 60-80-year old vines. Made in a huge, nectar of the vine-like style, it is incredibly pure and rich, but is very uncompromising. It appears to be a modern day version of a wine made in the 1800s. Enormously concentrated, massive on the palate, with excruciatingly high levels of tannin, but also high levels of extract, it is meant for patient connoisseurs. It will have a fascinating evolution, lasting 30-40 years, but being conservative, I will just say drink it between 2010-2025. In all respects, this admirable effort is a throwback to days long gone. Wine Advocate.June, 2004
Critic Scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2001 Clos de Sarpe is deep garnet-brick in color and sings of potpourri and Indian spices with a baked raspberries and plum preserves with a hoisin undercurrent plus a waft of tapenade. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of chewy tannins and bags of mature black fruit preserves and exotic spices, finishing with great freshness and depth. May 2018, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
A single family owned property belonging to the Beyney family since 1923 and currently managed by Christine and Jean-Guy Beyney. This 3.68 hectare vineyard planted 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc consists of some of the oldest vines in Saint-Émilion.