Country: France
Region: Bordeaux Left Bank, St Emilion
Grapes: Merlot and a bit of Cabernet Franc
Another astonishing effort from proprietor Beyney, this blockbuster 2011 may be the most concentrated and intense wine of the vintage. Unlike previous vintages that were characterized by sky-high levels of tannin, the tannins in this Clos de Sarpe are very silky and soft, letting the fruit show through rather dramatically. The color is an opaque purple and the wine is loaded with beautiful black fruits, minerals and spices. It pushes richness and ripeness to the limit, but pulls back before it veers over to the Amarone style favored in parts of Italy. This glorious, full-bodied St.-Emilion is one of the superstars of the vintage. Sadly, production is microscopic. It should drink well for 15-20+ years. Robert Parker 96/100 points