2023 Clos de Sarpe
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Tasting notes
Incredible in the depth of its almost impenetrable colour, this is very impressive. The nose is bright with floral tones, spice and sweet fruit. It’s smooth and elegant, incredibly supple yet also with tightly packed tannins and great intensity. There’s real energy, and a twist of freshness with length and tension. Although it was only the first crop for a new plot of Petit Verdot, planted in 2021, it was so good that it made it into the Grand Vin this year. Aged in 70% new oak, with 14.5% alcohol and 3.35pH. Blend: 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A brilliant, uncompromising Saint-Emilion from a tiny parcel on the upper plateau, the 2023 Château Clos De Sarpe sports a deep purple hue and reveals gorgeous aromatics of crème de cassis, crushed stone, graphite, and spicy oak. Based on 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, aged 13 months in 70% new French oak with the balance in second-fill barrels, it's full-bodied on the palate, with a rich, concentrated mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a big finish. This traditional, concentrated, powerfully styled Saint-Emilion needs at least 4-5 years of bottle age, although a decade would be better, and it will keep for 40-50 years. Drink 2031-2076.
The 2023 Clos de Sarpe is fabulous. Deep, rich and explosive, the 2023 possesses tremendous textural density and power to match. A burst of dark-toned fruit, chocolate, new leather, incense and dried herbs hits the palate. This builds beautifully through the layered mid-palate and into the explosive, punchy finish. Clos de Sarpe isn't quite as opulent as it used to be, but it remains one of the most distinctive wines in Saint-Émilion and Bordeaux, for that matter.
The 2023 Clos de Sarpe has a luscious bouquet with red cherries, cassis, blueberry and violet scents that have a sense of joie de vivre. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fleshy and satin-textured. Finely controlled with a poised and persistent finish, this is the same classy Clos de Sarpe I recommended from barrel.
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.