2016 Clos de Sarpe
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Tasting notes
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Clos de Sarpe (composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc) is a little closed to begin, opening out to reveal provocative Black Forest cake, Chinese five spice and cigar box notes with nuances of sandalwood, kirsch, rose hip tea and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, rich and opulent in the mouth, the palate is oh-so-seductive with a beautiful velvety texture and tons of freshness lifting the decadent fruit to a long spicy finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
An off-the-hook Saint-Emilion, the inky colored 2016 Château Clos de Sarpe is mostly Merlot but includes 15% Cabernet Franc. A beautiful, floral character gives way to more blueberry, raspberry, spice, and cedar notes, and it's medium to full-bodied, fresh, and elegant on the palate, with thrilling purity of fruit. It's still tight and reserved at the moment, with a focused feel on the palate, but has tons of potential. Give bottles 5-7 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 15+. Tasted twice.
Firm and silky red with very pretty stone, berry and chewy tannin character. Yet in balance and finesse. Medium to full body. Wait and see. Mar 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
The 2016 Clos de Sarpe is terrific. The opulent, full-throttle style remains intact, but the 2016 is a bit less extreme than some recent editions. Super-ripe red cherry, pomegranate, red plum and sweet spice race forward. Unctuous, sweet and unapologetically flamboyant, the wine possesses notable depth and richness from fruit that is picked on the late side. Clos de Sarpe is unlike any other wine being made in Bordeaux today. The unctuous, port-like style will not appeal to every palate. Even so, in my view, the 2016 is superb and a step up from the wines I have tasted here of late. I can't wait to see how it ages. Jean-Philippe Fort is the consultant. Tasted two times.
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.