2012 Clos de Sarpe
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Clos de Sarpe is perfumed on the nose with black cherries, peppermint and brown spice aromas, gaining more clarity as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins, soy-infused red fruit and a subtle Marmite-like note that becomes more prominent towards the finish. It is perhaps one of the spiciest Clos de Sarpe vintages I have tasted, although I wish there was more elegance towards the finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
I've been telling everyone I can that 2012 on the Right Bank is superb, so the quality of the 2012 Château Clos de Sarpe didn't surprise me. This still vivid purple-hued beauty isn't far off the 2009 in style yet has a touch more purity and precision as well as full-bodied richness and depth, beautifully polished tannins, and a seamless texture. The tannin quality here is brilliant and gives this some early appeal, yet it's going to age beautifully as well.
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2012 Clos de Sarpe has a gorgeous black cherries, black raspberries and crème de cassis nose with touches of mocha, licorice, lavender and menthol. Very big, full-bodied, rich and minted in the mouth, it has a velvety texture and fantastic freshness, finishing long and multilayered.
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.