Saint-Emilion.
78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot.
Clos de Sarpe, a prestigious estate nestled in the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation of Bordeaux, covers a modest yet remarkable 3.68 hectares of vineyards. This boutique winery, with a history dating back several centuries, is celebrated for its artisanal approach to winemaking.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Independent: 93-95/100
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Clos de Sarpe jumps from the glass with bold notes of juicy plums and black cherries followed by hints of Indian spices, violets, and licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate has a racy backbone and fine-grained tannins supporting the bright black fruit flavors, finishing with a cheeky floral lift. The blend is 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous: 92-95/100
The 2023 Clos de Sarpe is a potent Saint-Émilion. There's plenty of intensity but less of the overt opulence of a few years ago. Black cherry, plum, licorice, leather, dried herbs and incense struggle to emerge from a wall of searing tannins. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, lavender and mocha extend the finish. The acidity, as measured by pH, is more like that of a white wine. I am very curious to see where this goes. Tasted two times.
The 2023 Clos de Sarpe is a potent Saint-Émilion. There's plenty of intensity but less of the overt opulence of a few years ago. Black cherry, plum, licorice, leather, dried herbs and incense struggle to emerge from a wall of searing tannins. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, lavender and mocha extend the finish. The acidity, as measured by pH, is more like that of a white wine. I am very curious to see where this goes. Tasted two times.
James Suckling: 93-94/100
Very polished and refined, with succulent fruit and a creamy texture. Medium body. Bright finish. From organically grown grapes.
Georgie Hindle - Decanter: 90/100
Plenty of ripe plums and blackberry, with high-toned red fruit - and prominent oak toast aromas. The palate is tangy and smooth enough, with acidity accentuating more a red fruit character, but with some astringent, oak-derived tannins: the wine is ageing in 70% new oak, and I feel this on the finish and wonder how it will taste one bottled. Good if you like a more oak-driven style.
Very polished and refined, with succulent fruit and a creamy texture. Medium body. Bright finish. From organically grown grapes.
Georgie Hindle - Decanter: 90/100
Plenty of ripe plums and blackberry, with high-toned red fruit - and prominent oak toast aromas. The palate is tangy and smooth enough, with acidity accentuating more a red fruit character, but with some astringent, oak-derived tannins: the wine is ageing in 70% new oak, and I feel this on the finish and wonder how it will taste one bottled. Good if you like a more oak-driven style.