Clos de Sarpe 2011

St Emilion, Grand Cru

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Tasting Notes

Another astonishing effort from proprietor Beyney, this blockbuster 2011 may be the most concentrated and intense wine of the vintage. Unlike previous vintages that were characterized by sky-high levels of tannin, the tannins in this Clos de Sarpe are very silky and soft, letting the fruit show through rather dramatically. The color is an opaque purple and the wine is loaded with beautiful black fruits, minerals and spices. It pushes richness and ripeness to the limit, but pulls back before it veers over to the Amarone style favored in parts of Italy. This glorious, full-bodied St.-Emilion is one of the superstars of the vintage. Sadly, production is microscopic. It should drink well for 15-20+ years.

Score: 96

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2034 30 April 2014

The 2011 Clos de Sarpe represents a return to form after a somewhat underachieving 2009. This small 12+ acre vineyard had remarkably low yields of 16 hectoliters per hectare, and the final blend from the proprietor, Monsieur Beyney, was 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Along with La Fleur Morange, this is one of the most powerful wines of the vintage (15% natural alcohol). While most top vintages of Clos de Sarpe reveal excruciatingly high levels of tannin, the 2011’s tannin levels are very manageable and the tannin is remarkably sweet and well-integrated, giving this wine more charm and appeal at an early age than one normally sees. Nevertheless, it is a powerful, opaque purple-colored wine displaying notes of incense, blueberry and blackberry liqueur and spring flowers. Concentrated, full-bodied and multidimensional with lots of intensity as well as the aforementioned sweet tannins, it should drink well for at least two decades.

Score: 92 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2032 30 April 2012

This has lots of interesting ripe fruit and spice character. Full body, with firm tannins and a juicy finish. Very attractive.

Score: 90 - 91

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 April 2012