2018 Clos Marsalette Blanc
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Clos Marsalette Blanc is showing quite a lot of pyrazines on the nose, which will appeal to those who like their Sauvignon Blanc that way. I personally do not mind it. The palate is balanced with quite potent asparagus and, again, pyrazine notes. Not bad, but a little hardcore for those seeking more ripeness.
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Average Score
Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Drinking nicely, the 2018 Clos Marsalette Blanc has a beautiful bouquet of honeyed lime, white grapefruit, toasted bread, and a terrific salty, mineral-like character. It's picked up a tinge of maturity since I tasted it last year and is medium-bodied and balanced, with both freshness and richness, followed by a great finish. Drink bottles any time over the coming 7-8 years.
The 2018 Clos Marsalette Blanc is marked by strong vegetal notes and an astringent character that are hard to look past. I had hoped the 2018 would come together in élevage, but time has only accented some of the issues that were present at the outset.
The 2018 Blanc has a provocative herbal streak on the nose, giving way to a core of bell peppers, green apples, lemon juice and lavender with a waft of wet pebbles. The delicately played, light to medium-bodied palate has a justifiable savory character, presenting the herbal notes as a feature of this earlier-picked style, finishing remarkably refreshing. This is a "greener" style that may not appeal to everyone, but I like how the winemaker's aspirations have played out here and can certainly recommend it for those seeking savoriness, elegance and freshness in this warmer vintage. (Declared alcohol is just 12.5%.)