2010 Clos de Tart, Clos de Tart Grand Cru 6x75cl

Wine Advocate 98+

Tasted at the pre-dinner vertical to mark Sylvain Pitiot’s retirement from the domaine, the 2010 Clos de Tart Grand Cru would have been made by angels if not Sylvain Pitiot (angels that had graduated from University of Dijon with a degree in oenology). The nose is so ineffably pure that it is guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye. In a strange way it reminds me of a top Armand Rousseau with its awe-inspiring transparency. The palate is ethereal – divine balance, a gentle grip, a saline edge and poise on the finish that takes your breath away. Iron fist in a velvet glove, etc. This is surely legend in the making. [Neal Martin, 23/09/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050

Neal Martin 95

The 2010 Clos de Tart Grand Cru vies with the 2005 and 2009 as the best wine Sylvain Pitiot made during his tenure. It was picked from September 28 to October 6 at just 21hl/ha with 13.6 alcohol (no La Forge de Tart produced). The detailed, extraordinarily pure bouquet displays impressive focus. If anything, this appears to have intensified on the nose in recent years, presenting a mixture of red and black fruit, forest floor and just a touch of girolles. The palate is very well balanced, grippier than I recall in 2015, and quite saline and masculine. The demonstrative, assertive finish needs a little more grace. To be honest, I have found this wine more praiseworthy in the past, although it remains an impressive and forthright Clos de Tart. Tasted at a private Clos de Tart dinner in London. [Neal Martin, 21/02/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040

Vinous 95+

Good full red. Deep, sweet, classic Clos de Tart aromas and flavors of dark raspberry, dried flowers, minerals and fresh violet and rose. Dense, round, superripe and compellingly sweet but not a bit roasted. Utterly mouthfilling, fine-grained wine with a broad, wonderfully sweet finish that saturates the entire palate and builds impressively. The serious, noble tannins arrive late. The pH here is in the 3.55 to 3.6 range, according to winemaker Sylvain Pitiot. The cool harvest of 2010 was perfect for Pitiot’s late-picking strategy, as this wine is dense and fully ripe without excessive alcohol or any dehydrated fruit character. [Stephen Tanzer, 03/01/2013]

Antonio Galloni 94-96

The 2010 Clos de Tart is still a work in progress, but this early tasting is fascinating. Layers of deep, dark fruit nearly jump from the glass in this exotic, full-bodied Clos de Tart. Crushed flowers, violets and spices develop over time as the wine gains its easy upper register. The tannins are very firm, but there appears to be more than enough fruit to provide balance. This is going to be a fascinating wine to follow over the coming years and decades. Today it is shaping up to be a gem. [Antonio Galloni, 02/01/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2045