Chateau Clos de Sarpe 2019

Very attractive dark-plum and berry aromas with hints of flowers. Some fresh-mushroom and coffee-bean undertones. Full-bodied with round, layered tannins and a flavorful finish. Succulent and juicy. So attractive, but there are plenty of pretty tannins underneath. From organically grown grapes. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. Drink after 2023.

Espresso, wet earth, chalk, smoke, licorice and dried flowers add complexity to the red fruits. Fresh, vibrant, polished and complex, the intense mineral influence shines through the layers of ripe berries like a surgeon’s scalpel. If you want to understand minerality in a wine, this is the one to teach you. The salt-tinged finish provides a minty accent and copious amounts of ripe, red fruits and berries. Drink from 2028-2050.

Dark ruby garnet with purple reflections and a lightly ochre rim. Fine precious wood nuances of cedar, black berry fruit, blackberries and liquorice make for an inviting bouquet. Juicy, elegant and fresh on the palate with a core of dark cherries and vivid, supporting tannins. It's mineral and long lasting, with a chocolaty touch, and will benefit from further bottle ageing.

Bright and polished, good quality; this is perky, well put together, a little austere even after 18 months of ageing. More evident generosity in the 2018 right now, but this is poised, with chalky tannins and soft raspberry fruit. Tasted twice. Aged in 600L oak casks, reining in the oak impact while maintaining a charred, lightly grilled feel.

Clos de Sarpe has a 3.7‑ha vineyard in Saint Christophe des Bardes on the limestone plateau. The average vine age is 65 years. In 2019, the yield was 40 hl/ha, for an estimated production of around 18,000 bottles. The estate was classified “

Perfumed, high-toned nose. Dark plum colour in the glass. Good juicy quality, immediately quite lively in the mouth with blackcurrant and black cherry flavours. Minerality shows in the wet-stone flavour and texture on the tongue, alongside fresh minty aspects that lift the wine across the palate. This has an easy-drinking appeal — it feels well handled, with an overall smooth and supple feel. Still a little dry at the end, not austere in a bad way, just very chalky.