Château Clos de Sarpe 2012

Concentrated, with layers of black plums and assorted dark red stone fruits, this is packed with a mix of fruit and a wall of tannins, coated with crushed rocks and spice. Primary and in need of aging, this will develop nicely if you are patient and have a few decades to spare.

Intense, ripe and fruity with fine integration of oak, hints of cassis and kirsch, rounded tannins, long sweet finish.

I've been telling everyone I can that 2012 on the Right Bank is superb, so the quality of the 2012 Château Clos de Sarpe didn't surprise me. This still vivid purple-hued beauty isn't far off the 2009 in style yet has a touch more purity and precision as well as full-bodied richness and depth, beautifully polished tannins, and a seamless texture. The tannin quality here is brilliant and gives this some early appeal, yet it's going to age beautifully as well.

The nose is aromatic and shows a touch of concentration. It reveals notes of blackcurrant, Morello cherry and flowers. The palate is racy, rich, concentrated, and balanced, offering good weight. On the palate, there are notes of strawberry, black cherry, plum and blackberry, with a hint of spice, chocolate, Morello cherry and oak. The tannins are supple. Good length on the finish.