2020 Ch Clos de Sarpe, St Emilion

Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Clos de Sarpe rolls seductively out of the glass with opulent scents of Chinese five spice, rose oil, sandalwood and camphor, leading to a core of plum preserves, blueberry pie and fragrant soil, with a touch of woodsmoke. The rich, full-bodied palate is, as always, not lacking in freshness, delivering layer upon layer of spicy black fruit preserves and a velvety texture, finishing very long and beautifully perfumed. The blend this year is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, aging for an estimated 13 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. The alcohol weighs-in at 15%.

Jean-Guy Beyney's 3.7-hectare vineyard is located in the "Sarpe" hamlet, just northeast of the town of Saint-Émilion. The vines are planted in thin clay atop deep limestone soils with an average age of 63 years. Viticulture is sustainable and in organic conversion.

94-96 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown robertparker.com

Full-bodied and layered with blackberries, black olives, walnuts and bark. Juicy. Superb depth and richness with so many layers of fruit and tannins. From organically grown grapes. Old-vine cabernet franc comes through.

95-96 points James Suckling jamessuckling.com