Château Clos de Sarpe – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru – Red – 2020:

 

Château Clos de Sarpe: The Purest Expression of Saint-Émilion Limestone

Château Clos de Sarpe, a highly-regarded Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, stands as a beacon of traditional yet evolving Right Bank winemaking. Situated on the venerable Sarpe plateau, the estate’s tiny 3.7-hectare vineyard boasts a wealth of ancient Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines, rooted in thin clay over deep limestone. This unique terroir imparts the intense minerality and structure for which the wine is famed, offering a purity and ageability that excites collectors and critics alike (as noted in Decanter reviews).

Sommelier’s Tasting Notes & Pedigree

Under the direction of Maylis Marcenat, the estate has embraced organic certification (2020) and refined its powerful style, moving towards greater finesse without sacrificing its signature concentration. The result is a wine of profound character and longevity.

• Appearance: A striking, deep garnet-purple hue.
• Aroma: Rich and layered, featuring concentrated dark fruit (blackberries, plum pudding), savoury notes of leather and tobacco, and an underlying seam of graphite and crushed stone minerality.
• Taste: Full and dense on the palate, showcasing a deep core of fruit supported by firm, yet beautifully integrated, chalky tannins. The finish is exceptionally long, driven by freshness and an earthy, mineral complexity.

Culinary Harmony & Service

A wine of this pedigree demands classic, rich pairings. For optimal enjoyment, particularly with younger vintages, a decanting of several hours is highly recommended.

• Serving Temperature: Best served at cellar temperature, around 16°C (61°F).
• Pairing Suggestions: Seven-hour slow-cooked Lamb (Gigot de Sept Heures), Pan-fried Rib-eye Steak with a Peppercorn Sauce, Mushroom and Truffle Risotto, Savoury Game dishes.

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2020
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