2021 Clos de Sarpe
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Tasting notes
Deep purple in colour, the 2021 Clos de Sarpe displays charming aromatics of blackcurrants and violets that have a lifted quality right from the outset. The palate offers a wealth of ripe fruit coupled with layers of peppery spice. The most impressive aspect of this Clos de Sarpe is its backbone of acidity, that drives noticeable freshness right through to the long finish. Maylis Marcenat picked later than most, between 7th and 17th October, allowing them to reach full phenolic ripeness and 14% alcohol. Blend: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
I continue to love the wines from this estate, and while older vintages were powerful and rustic, that's not the case today. These wines always shine for their purity while still bringing lots of fruit and depth. The 2021 Château Clos de Sarpe is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc that hit 14% alcohol and is currently resting in 70% new French oak. Medium to full-bodied, ripe, and textured, especially in the vintage, it has terrific blue fruits, notes of iron, chalky mineral, and chocolate, ripe tannins, and a great mid-palate as well as finish. It's well worth seeking out, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it turn out to be one of the longer-lived wines in the vintage.
The 2021 Clos de Sarpe is another terrific wine from an estate that has been on a roll of late. There is plenty of the size and richness Clos de Sarpe fans have come to expect, but these days the wine has a bit more freshness to play off all that extroverted intensity. Black cherry, tobacco, spice and new leather fill out the layers. The finish is ample, creamy and so inviting. Tasted two times.
The 2021 Clos de Sarpe, picked October 7–17, offers raspberry coulis, wild strawberry and figgy scents on the nose, just a little confit-like in style (possibly due to a bit of SO2). The well-defined palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, fine acidity and a minerally, precise finish. Good potential, but you may need to be patient.
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.