2017 Clos de Sarpe
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Tasting notes
Just as it was from barrel, the 2017 Clos de Sarpe is dark, unctuous and racy. Blackberry jam, spice, toffee, dark chocolate and espresso all give the 2017 its decidedly sumptuous, extravagantly ripe personality. Racy fruit, exotic aromatics and plush, soft contours make Clos de Sarpe one of the most idiosyncratic and unique wines in Bordeaux. Tasted two times.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Clos de Sarpe is profoundly scented of preserved plums, blackberry pie and blueberry coulis with hints of dark chocolate, licorice, hoisin and fertile loam. Full-bodied, rich and decadently spicy in the mouth, it has a plush texture and a very long, spicy finish. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc and it was aged for 13 months in 60% new and 40% second fill French oak barrels.
The 2017 Clos de Sarpe was cropped at 25hl/ha and matured in 60% new oak for 13 months. It has a rich and decadent bouquet that does not have the detail of the 2018, although it does convey a sense of purity. The palate is sweet and candied with touches of marmalade infusing the black cherry fruit that feels a little " trop ". Still, it should give 10-12 years of pleasure. Tasted two or three times, one bottle in particular showing much more elegance than I was anticipating.
From a vintage compared to 1999 by the estate, 2017 Chateau Clos De Sarpe comes from Jean Guy Beyney’s tiny 3.70-hectare estate which is located just northeast of the town of Saint-Emilion. A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 60% new barrels, it has a beautiful perfume of creme de cassis, crushed rocks, sappy herbs, and white flowers. This is a rich, concentrated 2017 with loads of richness and fleshy, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and a kiss of background oak. Do your best to hide bottles for 5-7 years, and it will evolve for two decades or more.
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.