2016 Clos de Tart, Clos de Tart Grand Cru 6x75cl

Neal Martin 99+

The 2016 Clos de Tart Grand Cru, cropped at 35hl/ha, is the first year farmed biodynamically. This was completely breathtaking in barrel, and now, in bottle, nothing has changed in that respect. It has an ineffably complex bouquet, not as intense as it showed in barrel yet extremely deep and cerebral, black fruit mingling with forest floor, crushed stone and a touch of sea spray. The palate is perfectly balanced with a deceivingly understated entry, before a wave of black and red fruit crashes over the senses. It is framed by supremely fine tannin, the intensity building toward a crescendo as it fans out. The aftertaste is unbelievably long, remaining in the mouth 60 seconds after the wine has departed. The best ever – simple as that. Tasted at Clos de Tart. [Neal Martin, 21/02/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2060

Wine Advocate 97

The superb 2016 Clos de Tart Grand Cru confirms the promise it showed from barrel, unfurling in the glass with a striking bouquet of raspberries, rose petals, blood orange, black tea, spices and smoked meats. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, pure and ample, with a deep core of vibrant, searingly intense fruit that entirely cloaks its structuring chassis of satiny tannin, concluding with a long and captivatingly floral finish. More elegant and transparent than the richer and fleshier 2015, this is an exceptional vintage for Clos de Tart. That there are fully 27,000 bottles makes this one of Burgundy’s rare confluence of quality and quantity. [William Kelley, 27/12/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2060

Vinous 93-96

(an approximation of the final blend): Bright, deep red. Very pure but reserved aromas of raspberry, crushed rock, rose petal, spices, mocha and tobacco, lifted by a calcaire pungency. Compellingly silky and seamless but with terrific energy and subtle intensity to its dense flavors of red berries, dark cherry, spices and powdered stone, complicated by a saline quality. This wonderfully complex, perfumed, penetrating wine is distinctly red in character for a Burgundy with 13.5% alcohol. Finishes suave, complete and classically dry, with outstanding slow-building length and great class. Winemaker Jacques Devauges describes this wine as "at the level of 2015 but for different reasons." [Stephen Tanzer, 01/01/2018]