Château Clos de Sarpe 2020

Smooth and sensual, the texture here is so alluring, velvety smooth with a core of ripe red fruits, almost jammy strawberry and raspberry, with wet-stone elements and high acidity giving a lively mid-palate. Tannins are present but both powdery and chalky, providing a nice frame. The alcohol sticks out a little on the finish, with a marked touch of heat and spice, but there’s a lot to like here and it will be one of the more approachable wines when young, given its energy and slightly less prominent tannins.

Blackberries, cassis, dried herbs and smoked paprika on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins. Focused and balanced, with a long, silky and seamless finish. Polished and classy. From organically grown grapes. Drink from 2025.

Quite floral in nature, the wine picks up steam with the addition of oceanic nuances, licorice, smoke and red fruits. On the palate, there is length, purity and a vibrancy to the red fruits that linger. The salty energy in the finish from all of its stony minerality really stands out, adding a lot of complexity and character to the wealth of fruit on the palate and in the finish. Drink from 2025-2050.

Deep garnet, dark purple reflections, opaque core. Ripe sweet wild berries, black cherries, candied orange zest, light tobacco, inviting bouquet. A juicy and elegant palate, good fruit expression, ripe tannins, some nougat, with cherries on the finish and mineral-salty on the aftertaste. A fresh, delicate aftertaste of sea buckthorn, lingers long, promising ageing potential.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Clos de Sarpe comes bounding out with exuberant notes of juicy black plums, blackberry preserves, and fruitcake, plus wafts of potpourri, sandalwood, and mossy tree bark. The full-bodied palate has its characteristic richness offset by a wonderfully lively backbone, delivering loads of spicy layers on the long, plush-textured finish.

The freshness of the limestone terroirs was very beneficial for Clos de Sarpe in 2020. It leaves its mark on the wine, which is welcome in the sun-drenched context of the vintage. Chalky nuances are noticeable both on the nose and on the palate. A good balance between the succulent side and the freshness of the acidity. A harmonious, inviting wine, ready to spend time in the cellar.

Clos de Sarpe has accustomed us to a powerful, intense style. The challenge this year again was to preserve freshness. Indeed, the 2020 is explosive, with blueberry, blackcurrant, and blackberry jelly notes, supported by well-integrated tannins. The substance is deep and muscular, and will require a bit of patience to reveal all its qualities.