1985 Château Clos de Sarpe
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Tasting notes
The 1985 Clos de Sarpe has an intriguing nose of cough candy, menthol and hints of liquorice that infuse and almost dominate the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and moderate acidity. The theme of cough candy reappears in the mouth with allspice and a touch of marmalade on the finish. This has held up better than the 1982 Clos de Sarpe, although I would drink bottles sooner rather than later.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Deeper hued, as are most wines from 1985 on, the 1985 Château Clos de Sarpe has a richer, masculine style in its dark, chocolaty aromas and flavors as well as dried herbs and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, with bright acidity and a firm, angular, yet concentrated style, the overall balance here might be questionable, but it nevertheless certainly has character as well as a big mid-palate.
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.