2008 Clos de Tart, Clos de Tart Grand Cru 3x150cl

Neal Martin 94

The 2008 Clos de Tart Grand Cru has long been one of my favorites from Sylvain Pitiot s reign. It was picked October 3-6 at 29.2hlha with 13.58 alcohol, then matured for 17 months in new oak. For the first time, most of the cuvees included 30% to 50% whole bunches, one cuvee 100%. It has long been more open and welcoming on the nose compared to other vintages, featuring brambly red fruit, forest floor and light black truffle scents that become smokier with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple and abraded tannins, turning savory with aeration and revealing hints of meat juices toward the saline finish. While it might lack finesse, it does sport considerable length and should offer another 15-20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted at a private Clos de Tart dinner in London. [Neal Martin, 21/02/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038

Wine Advocate 96

Tasted at the pre-dinner vertical to mark Sylvain Pitiot’s retirement from the domaine, the 2008 Clos de Tart Grand Cru has an open and generous bouquet with wild brambly fruit, crushed strawberry, mineral and woodland scents. This is gentler than the 2009 or 2010, more open for business perhaps. The palate is (again) wonderfully balanced with rounded tannin. There is a savory edge here, a slight meatiness developing and a suggestion of Italian cured meats towards the finish, plus a saline edge. It feels satisfyingly long in the mouth with spice notes tingling right on the end of the aftertaste. Do not underestimate this excellent Clos de Tart, surely destined to be overshadowed by the 2009. [Neal Martin, 22/09/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040

Antonio Galloni 94+

The 2008 Clos de Tart is all class and elegance. It boasts fabulous inner perfume and endless layers of fruit. The nuance, purity and sheer breed are breathtaking. The 2008 shut down quickly in the glass, but not before leaving a lasting impression. The tannins possess incredible elegance, but that may not be fully apparent for a number of years. This is a gorgeous wine in every way. [Antonio Galloni, 05/01/2011]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2043

Vinous 93+

Good deep medium red. Aromas of musky wild berries, bitter chocolate and smoky oak. Broad, round, sweet and pliant in the middle palate; in fact, deceptively open-knit today owing to its phenolic ripeness. But despite the cool, humid year, this shows plenty of underlying structure. More saline and peppery than primary-fruity on the finish, which features broad tannins. These grapes were picked beginning on October 6, with minimal sorting being done. Needs time in bottle but does it have the energy for a long-term evolution? [Stephen Tanzer, 03/01/2011]