Clos de Tart, Clos de Tart Grand Cru 2013

Tasted at the pre-dinner vertical to mark Sylvain Pitiot's retirement from the domaine, the 2013 Clos de Tart Grand Cru has similar intensity to the nascent 2014, but here there is more black fruit coming through. It is beautifully defined, floral and refined with hints of violet marrying with the fruit profile. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a savory, digestif note on the entry, and the acidity finely tuned with a gentle crescendo in the mouth. This might turn out more structured and masculine than the 2014; there is a touch of meatiness lingering on the aftertaste. It is one of those intriguing Clos de Tart, medium rather than long-term potential.