The 2019 Clos de Sarpe is a Bordeaux blend hailing from the Saint-Emilion sub-region in Bordeaux, France. Comprising 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this red wine is notable for its alcohol content of 14.5% and is sealed with a traditional cork.
James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 94, describing it as "very attractive" with "dark-plum and berry aromas" complemented by "hints of flowers" and "fresh-mushroom and coffee-bean undertones." He notes its full-bodied nature with "round, layered tannins" and a "flavorful finish," calling it "succulent and juicy." He added, "there are plenty of pretty tannins underneath," and advised to drink it after 2023.
Jeb Dunnuck gave a higher score of 96, praising the wine for its "balanced, elegant style" while still showcasing "beautiful fruit and opulence." He highlighted its "cassis, blueberries, graphite, tobacco damp earth, and violet notes," adding that it hits the palate with "full-bodied richness" and an "awesome purity of fruit." Dunnuck also noted its long aging potential, stating it would "evolve for 30 to 40 years."
Jeff Leve scored it 95, emphasizing its complexity with notes of "espresso, wet earth, chalk, smoke, licorice, and dried flowers." He commended its "fresh, vibrant, polished, and complex" character, particularly noting the "intense mineral influence" and "salt tinged finish" with "minty accent and copious amounts of ripe, red fruits and berries."
Vinous also gave the wine a 96, calling it "off the charts gorgeous" with flavors of "black cherry, leather, licorice, spice, and chocolate." The review emphasized its "unabashedly opulent" nature balanced by recent years' focus and delineation, summarizing it as "positively stunning."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated it 95, with William Kelley describing it as "full-bodied, broad and velvety," featuring a "generous bouquet of blackberries, Morello cherries, and plums." Kelley noted its "lively acids" and "fine, chalky tannin," highlighting its "powerful but vibrant" profile.
Jane Anson awarded it 91, describing it as "bright and polished" with "chalky tannins and soft raspberry fruits." She found it a bit austere but poised, with a "charred, lightly grilled feel."
Decanter gave it a 92, noting its "perfumed, high toned nose" and "dark plum color." The review highlighted its "juicy quality" and "minerality," describing it as "smooth and supple" with a "chalky" finish.
Finally, The Wine Independent scored it 94+, describing its "deep garnet-purple color" and aromas of "cedar and underbrush." It noted the wine's "racy backbone of acidity," "plush, velvety tannins," and "long spicy finish."
Overall, the 2019 Clos de Sarpe is highly regarded, with reviewers praising its complexity, balance, and aging potential.