Château Clos de Sarpe 2022

Expressive, with blackberry, eucalyptus and subtle toasted notes; approachable, ripe-fruited, soft on the attack, becomes more linear on the mid-palate, razor-sharp tannins, a red-fruited, fiery finish. A symbiosis of power and elegance.

On the nose there are potent and highly charged aromas – evocative and heady scents of ripe cherries and plums. Fleshy, juicy and bright on the palate, this manages to convey power and strength but with bounce and definition. It has a slightly rich, silky texture but the high acidity lifts the expression and creates a sense of tension which makes this so vibrant. Well rounded and long, with barely a hint of the 15% alcohol. An excellent, seductive wine.

I like what's going on here. Now, you find more intensity, as well as a softness in the previously strong tannins. The wine is rich, powerful, mineral-driven, and packed with multiple layers of lushly textured fruit. Give it time to come together. It is worth the wait. This could easily age for 3 decades or perhaps longer. Drink from 2029-2055.

Deep dark ruby garnet, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate rim brightening. Seductive bouquet of liquorice and violets, black fruit, fine nuances of noble wood. Juicy, blackberries, elegant, very fresh and full of finesse, shows enormous energy, red-berry finish, great length, certain ageing potential for many years to come.

I loved the 2022 Clos De Sarpe, a wonderfully pure, complex, seamless Saint-Emilion based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Its inky purple/ruby hue is followed by a brilliant, youthful nose of crème de cassis, spring flowers, crushed stone, and graphite. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, it has ripe, polished tannins, wonderfully integrated oak, flawless balance, and a great finish. It offers pleasure today, yet this is built for the long haul as well and will ideally be given 5-7 years of bottle age and enjoyed over the following 2-3 decades.

High-intensity oak character, with tar, liquorice, dark chocolate, spiced fig, cinnamon, grilled damson. Not entirely over the line, but bordering on it, and one to revisit after ageing. Jean-Guy Beyney owner. 75% new oak.

Clos de Sarpe 2022 reveals itself with subtlety and finesse. The bouquet promises charm and freshness, with nuances of black berries and licorice complemented by a chalky touch. Slightly creamy on the attack, the wine has fine, suave, and perfectly integrated tannins. Their velvety character goes hand in hand with the freshness of the clay-limestone soils, which provide tension and straightness. A silky, vigorous wine that deftly combines contemporary and traditional styles.