Francois Pinault acquired the 7.53 hectare vineyard in 2017 for an undisclosed sum, adding it to a portfolio of extraordinary wines including Latour, Gillet, Eisele, and Eugenie.
 

2019 Clos de Tart Grand Cru

 

96-99 JM / 96-98 VM / 94-96 WA / 93-95 BH

 

 $759.00/750ml (OWC 3 packs available) Buy Now

$1519.00/1.5L Buy Now

(ETA 30 days)

 

A First Class Clos de Tart

         

Francois Pinault acquired the 7.53 hectare vineyard in 2017 for an undisclosed sum, adding it to a portfolio of extraordinary wines including Latour, Gillet, Eisele, and Eugenie. 
 
Alessandro Noli, the new régisseur of Clos de Tart, seems to have found his feet in short order, and I was very impressed by his debut 2019 vintage. Changes here include much gentler handling of the grapes during cuvaison—just occasional "foulage," as Noli puts it, by foot—and diminished percentages of new oak: 70% for the Tart herself, and 50% for the Forge. Some concrete eggs, it seems, now keep the fûts company in the cellar. The 2019s, produced by these methods, showed brilliantly, and I look forward to seeing what Noli will be able to achieve in coming vintages. William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
 
 
 

2019 Clos de Tart Grand Cru

96-99 JM / 96-98 VM / 94-96 WA / 93-95 BH

$759.00/bottle (ETA 30 Days) Buy Now (OWC 3 packs)

$1529.00/1.5L (ETA 30 Days) Buy Now

  

70% new wood. Purple black, with a light reduction on the nose, but a massive heart to it. Waves of fruit, red and black fighting it out, incredible intensity through the middle, a very good little touch of acidity at the back. Clos de Tart is never going to be a sensual wine though there is plenty of flesh on the bones. Perfectly judged ripeness here. Probably a bit more than 50% whole bunch has been used overall, but the decision is made for each individual cuvee. I retasted the 2019 having just tasted the 2018 wines from the estate, which showed the 2019 in a fresher light. The bouquet holds up really well and there is a terrific mineral crunch to finish. The red fruit starts to take the lead and the precision of this first class Clos de Tart was clear to see. Tasted: November 2020—Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

The 2019 Clos de Tart Grand Cru is first vintage where winemaker Alessandro Noli has 100% responsibility and so the buck stops with him. Firstly that dialling down of new wood was the correct decision because already it is seamlesly entwined within the aromatics, allowing the quite plush Dorset plum, bilberry and light estuarine aromas to flourish from the glass. Impressive delineation here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, very well judged acidity, great harmony from the start. Good salinity, that saltiness leaving a residues on the tongue and leaves it tingling and it feels reassuringly persistent. I think this is a great success for Noli and doubtless it will age well over the next 25-30 years. Welcome to the new Clos de Tart.-- Neal Martin, Vinous Media

 

The 2019 Clos de Tart Grand Cru is very promising indeed, wafting from the glass with notes of wild berries, peonies, rose hips, warm spices, sweet soil tones and musk. Full-bodied, velvety and layered, it's deep and concentrated, with lively acids, refined tannins and a long, perfumed finish. Matured in 70% new oak, this is a much more dynamic, classically proportioned and, indeed, soulful wine than its 2018 counterpart. –William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

 

Note: from vines that average around 60+ years of age; <55% whole clusters
Tasting note: A much more floral suffused nose reflects notes of essence of plum, cassis, black raspberry liqueur, herbal tea and discreet wood influence. There is excellent volume and mid-palate density to the sappy, refined and tautly muscular larger-scaled flavors that coat the palate on the lingering and firmer finish that is shaped by relatively fine-grained tannins on the balanced finish where a subtle hint of warmth slowly emerges. This is still very compact and clearly evolving but it should be terrific in time. Don’t Miss. Allen Meadows, Burghound

 

Also Available:

 

2019 Clos de Tart La Forge de Tart 1er Cru

91-94 JM / 91-93 VM / 91-93 BH / 90-92 WA

$289.00/bottle (ETA 30 Days) Buy Now

 

This comes from the section known as La Forge, plus a young vine planting from 2011, and “Ballonge 2” where the plant selection could be better – it will be top-grafted shortly. One third whole bunch in the Ballonge component makes about 15% in all. This is a glowing purple colour, without the black. A light reduction on the nose which later shows as toasty barrel. Very complete, sensual, with good unforced acidity, more red fruit than black. Still a certain masculinity. Surprising length and depth of aftertaste. Clean and fresh after tasting the 2018. There are 15 barrels of La Forge du Tart, with half in new wood. Tasted: November 2020—Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

 

This comes from the section known as La Forge, plus a young vine planting from 2011, and “Ballonge 2” where the plant selection could be better – it will be top-grafted shortly. One third whole bunch in the Ballonge component makes about 15% in all. This is a glowing purple colour, without the black. A light reduction on the nose which later shows as toasty barrel. Very complete, sensual, with good unforced acidity, more red fruit than black. Still a certain masculinity. Surprising length and depth of aftertaste. Clean and fresh after tasting the 2018. There are 15 barrels of La Forge du Tart, with half in new wood. Tasted: November 2020—Neal Martin, Vinous Media

 

Note: made from Clos de Tart fruit that should produce about 4000 bottles in 2019; 15% whole clusters
Tasting note: A more elegant and even fresher nose is comprised by a pretty blend of both red and dark pinot fruit, sandalwood, violet and a subtle touch of wood. There is better volume and richness to the attractively textured and refined medium-bodied flavors that brim with dry extract and a subtle minerality on the balanced, long and bitter cherry pit-inflected finale. This needs to develop more depth but considering the underlying terroir, that shouldn't present any significant problems. Outstanding. –Allen Meadows, Burghound

 

Matured in 50% new oak, the 2019 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru La Forge de Tart unwinds to reveal aromas of raspberries, rose petals, plums and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, lively and elegant, it's pretty and perfumed, with melting tannins, succulent acids and a saline finish. This is the most youthfully harmonious Forge de Tart that I can remember tasting.—William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

 

 

 

 

 
Sincerely,

Ron van Vlaardingen  
Fine Wine Sales Director

Grand Vin Wine Merchants

1003 4th Avenue E  | Olympia, WA  98506 | Office: 360.350.4896 x 2

www.grandvinwinemerchants.com | ronv@grandvinwinemerchants.com 

 
 
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Grand Vin Wine Merchants · 2950 32nd Ave SW · Suite A · Tumwater, Washington 98512 · United States (360) 350-4896