Lamb
Critic Scores
Tasted at the pre-dinner vertical to mark Sylvain Pitiot's retirement from the domaine, the 2013 Clos de Tart Grand Cru has similar intensity to the nascent 2014, but here there is more black fruit coming through. It is beautifully defined, floral and refined with hints of violet marrying with the fruit profile. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a savory, digestif note on the entry, and the acidity finely tuned with a gentle crescendo in the mouth. This might turn out more structured and masculine than the 2014 there is a touch of meatiness lingering on the aftertaste. It is one of those intriguing Clos de Tart, medium rather than long-term potential.
As usual, I tasted Clos de Tart in its separate fermentations and then in an approximate blend. The late harvest produced a dark, brooding Clos de Tart endowed with fabulous depth. Dark and deeply spiced to the core, the 2013 is incredibly vivid in the glass, with gorgeous interplay between the old-vine fruit and aromatic nuances from the whole clusters. Cool, mineral and savory-inflected notes inform the bracing, invigorating finish. There is a lot to like in the 2013 Clos de Tart. -- Antonio Galloni
