2009 Clos Saint-Martin

The 2009 Clos Saint-Martin is deep in color and currently shows little signs of aging. The bouquet is very fine: pure and well defined, with ample brambly black fruit mixed with briar and wild hedgerow aromas. Aeration reveals background traits of camphor and licorice. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. The Cabernet Franc component is expressive and lends a conspicuous savory, almost meaty note to the fleshy Merlot, while the finish appears a little firmer and more structured compared to previous bottles. Maybe it just misses a little persistence, but otherwise, this Clos Saint-Martin is maturing with style. Tasted at a vertical of recent vintages at the château.

Appetising, zesty nose. Racy. Just a little severe on the finish. Long and emphatic. (JR)

75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich and very spicy and modern indeed. The other end of the spectrum from L’Épiphanie de Durfort-Vivens 2009 Margaux. Almost Spanish approach to oaking! (JR)