Chateau Clos de Sarpe Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2020

JS95-96: Full-bodied and layered with blackberries, black olives, walnuts and bark. Juicy. Superb depth and richness with so many layers of fruit and tannins. From organically grown grapes. Old-vine cabernet franc comes through.

WA94-96+: Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Clos de Sarpe rolls seductively out of the glass with opulent scents of Chinese five spice, rose oil, sandalwood and camphor, leading to a core of plum preserves, blueberry pie and fragrant soil, with a touch of woodsmoke. The rich, full-bodied palate is, as always, not lacking in freshness, delivering layer upon layer of spicy black fruit preserves and a velvety texture, finishing very long and beautifully perfumed. The blend this year is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, aging for an estimated 13 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. The alcohol weighs-in at 15%.

JD94-96+: I continue to love the wines from this estate, and certainly today, they show a more pure, polished style than wines from just a decade ago. Their 2020 Château Clos De Sarpe boasts a vivid purple hue as well as gorgeous notes of blue fruits, black cherries, toasty oak, violets, white truffle, and tobacco. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it has ripe tannins, a balanced, layered texture, and that rare mix of richness and freshness. This tiny, cooler terroir on the upper plateau has produced a thrilling 2020 readers will love. It will have 30+ years of longevity. Tasted twice.