2002 Clos de Sarpe
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Tasting notes
The 2002 Clos de Sarpe has a very ripe, smudged, minty bouquet that is missing some delineation and vigour at 16 years of age. The palate is defined by relatively rigid and obdurate tannins around which lies attractive mulberry fruit. However, the wood tannins dry out the finish and denude this Saint-Émilion of its precision.
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2002 Clos de Sarpe has a very ripe, smudged, minty bouquet that is missing some delineation and vigour at 16 years of age. The palate is defined by rather rigid and obdurate tannin around which lies quite attractive mulberry fruit. However, the wood tannins dry out the finish and denude this Saint-Émilion of its precision.
More firm and angular, the 2002 Château Clos de Sarpe is nevertheless nicely concentrated, with classic, almost austere notes of ripe black fruits, graphite, chocolate, and scorched earth. Playing in the medium-bodied end of the spectrum, with bright acidity and ripe tannins, it's going to be interesting to see how this evolves, possibly similar to the 1975?
The 2002 Clos de Sarpe is deep garnet-brick in color and scented of redcurrant jelly and raspberry preserves with hints of sautéed herbs, underbrush and tilled soil plus a waft of pencil shavings. The palate is medium-bodied, firm and elegant with wonderful freshness lifting the red fruit preserves, finishing on a lingering mineral note.
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.