Tasting Notes
Vinous 94
The 2012 Clos de Tart Grand Cru is definitely one of the finer contributions from winemaker Sylvain Pitiot during his reign. One parcel was picked on September 19, but the main picking was September 28 until October 1. The yield was a measly 14.3hl/ha, alcohol at 14.2°. It was also the first vintage entirely plowed by horse. It has a much fresher and more vital bouquet than the preceding vintage and appears to capture the essence of Pinot Noir with great aplomb. Raspberries, a punnet of freshly picked strawberries and a touch of pressed rose petals all join the wonderful, aromatic chorus line. The palate is very nicely structured, featuring crushed strawberry, raspberry preserve and light sour cherry notes. The tannins are finer here than in recent vintages – perhaps more in the style that Jacques Desvauges has created in recent years. Superb.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2045
Robert Parker 97
Tasted at the pre-dinner vertical to mark Sylvain Pitiot’s retirement from the domaine, the 2012 Clos de Tart Grand Cru has just a wonderful nose with more fruit intensity than the 2013, so pure and feminine with ebullient raspberry preserve and strawberry notes, sheer pinoté! The palate is beautifully structured with fine tannin, tensile, refined and aristocratic. There is a brilliant focus here and an extraordinary sustained finish that leaves you desperate for the next sip. What it shares in common with the 2008 Clos de Tart Grand Cru is that it is predestined to be overshadowed by the 2009 and 2010. That should not be the case – it is a quite brilliant articulation of the Clos. Bon vin!
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2045
