Clos St. Martin Clos St. Martin
Saint-Émilion, France
Vintage:2017 (Current)
2014 (Past) | 2015 (Past) | 2016 (Current) | 2018 (Current)
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Reviews
Vinous Media
94 Points
March 1, 2020, Antonio Galloni
“The 2017 Clos Saint-Martin is superb. Rich, racy and flamboyantly ripe, the 2017 is a real head-turner. Super-ripe red plum, blood orange, spice, mint and star anise all pulse through a juicy, Saint-Émilion built on textural lushness. I would prefer to cellar the 2017 to allow some of the baby fat to melt away, but the 2017 is an undeniably alluring and racy wine with a bright future. Today, it is a total pleasure bomb, but not at all overdone.”
Wine Spectator
94 Points
March 2020, James Molesworth
“Features an intense beam of steeped plum, blackberry and black currant fruit, laced with racy, mouthwatering alder, mineral and tobacco accents. Shows density, but stays fresh and sleek in feel overall. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2035.”
Overview
Established in 1850, this jewel-like estate is situated on Saint-Émilion’s limestone plateau, adjacent to Château Canon. Named after the neighboring church of Saint-Martin, Clos St. Martin is owned and managed by Sophie Fourcade, a descendant of the Reiffers family, established wine producers in Saint-Émilion since the 17th century.
At just 3.2 acres, Clos St Martin is the smallest classified growth in Saint-Émilion. The vines, averaging 35 years of age, are planted on clay and limestone soils, typical of the appellation’s limestone plateau, with southwestern exposure.
Winemaking
After the manual harvest, the grapes undergo an eight-day pre-fermentation cold maceration at 46°F. The must is fermented in new oak barrels for 48 days; malolactic fermentation also takes place in new oak barrels. The first four months of aging are spent on the lees, stirred twice every week, allowing the wine to develop volume and body. The wine is generally aged for 20 months in new oak barrels.
Technical Information
Varietals: 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc.
Acres: 3.2 acres acres
Soil Composition: Clay & limestone
Average Vine Age: 35 years
Aging: 16 months in oak barrels (25% new)