Tasting Notes
Vinous 94
The 2014 Clos de Tart Grand Cru, Sylvain Pitiot’s final vintage, was picked from September 5 at 22hl/ha. (Incidentally, this was the first year the vineyard was tended organically.) It has a rich, exotic bouquet of macerated red cherries, black olive compote, fig and crushed violets. There is still some new oak to be subsumed here. The burly, powerful palate is full-bodied with saturated tannin, although it does not possess the delineation or mineralité on the finish that Jacques Desvauges has sought. Tasted at Clos de Tart.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2045
Robert Parker 95-97
The 2014 Clos de Tart Grand Cru will contain 40% whole bunch fruit in the final. It was picked from September 17 until September 22. This blend that I tasted included the young vines at the bottom of the vineyard that may or may not be deselected to make a Forge de Tart (the decision will be made next year). It is also the first vintage that does not include old vines at the northwest corner that were pulled up in spring 2014, due to be replanted in four years’ time. It has a very well defined bouquet with cranberry and wild strawberry fruit, fine mineral tones and is quite harmonious with hints of wet limestone. The palate is medium-bodied and I feel this has tightened up since I tasted it in September 2015. The fruit also seems a little darker. Blackberry and wild cherry, with a hint of cola and certainly more tangible mineralité on the finish, as you can feel the mouth tingling long after it has bid adieu.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2045
