Clos de Sarpe 2012

This has always been one of my favorite wines because of the tiny yields and meticulous attention to detail by the Beyney family. Not surprisingly, this inky bluish purple wine is frighteningly concentrated, with high extract, spicy oak, loads of blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, a hint of underlying liquid chalk/minerality, and a monster finish. The wine has plenty of tannins, which are largely concealed by the luxurious and extravagant nature of the wine’s concentration. I wouldn’t say this is a wine for those with 19th century palates, but the 2012 can hopefully be drunk in about 7-8 years, and will surely last for three decades or more, making it essentially one of the longest-lived wines of this vintage. From a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this wine boasts 15% natural alcohol.