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Clos Saint Martin 2009

Tasting Notes

A blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 14% natural alcohol, the wine has an extraordinary purity and vivaciousness in 2009. Dense ruby/purple, with beautiful black currant and black cherry notes as well as hints of raspberry and spring flowers, despite the fact that 100% new French oak is used, it is completely buried beneath a cascade of glorious fruit. The wine is extremely aromatic, with great intensity and beautiful balance. Unlike most vintages, it is somewhat accessible because of the vintage's low acidity and higher alcohols and should drink well for up to 20 years.

The smallest of the St.-Emilion grand cru classes, Clos St.-Martin is only about 3+ acres sitting next to the cemetery in St.-Emilion.

95
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, March 2012

Tasted at the Association de Crus Classé tasting at Grand Pontet. This has an intense nose of blackberry, black plum, liquorice and hints of orange sorbet: gaining freshness all the time in the glass. The palate is full-bodied with grainy, saturated tannins, good balance, harmonious, not a subtle Clos Saint Martin but it has freshness and definition. Black cherries, blueberry and a touch of vanilla on the finish. Very primal but it should develop nicely in barrel. Tasted March 2010.

91/93
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, April 2010

Green coffee bean, berry and fresh herbs on the nose. Full and chewy, with tobacco and berry character. A little overextracted, but should come around nicely with barrel age.

89/92
James Suckling, WineSpectator.com, April 2010

Rich and concentrated but with a firm, dry, minerally nuance. Smooth texture. Tight but ripe tannins. Clearly has stature. Drink 2016-2030.

17
James Lawther MW, Decanter.com, April 2010

This doesn't seem to me as powerful, concentrated, or striking as their 2000, 2005, or even for that matter, their 1998. However, this blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon tips the scale at 14% alcohol, which is an all-time record. The wine displays an almost crushed liqueur minerality intermixed with kirsch and black currant in a full-bodied, ethereal style that perhaps misses the pure density, concentration, and near-perfection of the 2005 or 2000. This wine will require patience, as the tannins are very elevated and not quite as well integrated and sweet as in most 2009s. Forget it for 5-10 years. (Tasted four times.) Drink 2015.

92/94+
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188), April 2010
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.