Clos de Tart 2015

The 2015 Clos de Tart Grand Cru is a monumental young wine, opening in the glass with a brooding bouquet of wild berries, peony, orange rind, licorice, espresso roast and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, powerful and multidimensional, with an enormous core of vibrant fruit, an ample chassis of fine tannins and a beautiful line of acidity. While the vintage has brought an extra dimension of concentration and power to this Clos de Tart, it remains wonderfully controlled through the long, palate-staining finish, and the terroir—including its proximity to Bonnes Mares—is front and center. With his first solo vintage at Clos de Tart, Jacques Desvauges has evidently hit the ground running. Cropped at 22 hectoliters per hectare, vinified with 40% whole cluster, and aged in 80% new wood.

Moderate wood frames very ripe liqueur-like aromas of plum, cassis, floral and ample spice and earth nuances. There is excellent richness to the opulent yet relatively refined big-bodied flavors that exhibit a subtle minerality on the powerful, mouth coating and driving finish that possesses outstanding complexity and persistence. There is a hint of warmth but overall this is quite well-balanced and the length is remarkable. My sense is that while this will age effortlessly for decades, it should not be particularly difficult young. Note: from vines that average around 60+ years of age; yields of 22 hl/ha in 2015