2003 Clos St Martin St Emilion Red Blend
Condition:
Clos St.-Martin may be St.-Emilion's answer to the renowned Pomerol treasure, Lafleur. This tiny estate is capable of producing profound wines, as it did in 2001, 2000, and 1998. However, the 2003 is not at that level. I had mixed tastings of the bottled 2003, several displaying astringent, hard tannin, but serious weight and richness. Others exhibited better balance/equilibrium. I do not know in which direction this wine will go, but it will unquestionably be long-lived. Its most striking characteristic is the extraordinary purity of its black raspberry, kirsch liqueur, flower, and liqueur of rock-like notes. The tannin is high, but I suspect this is a wine which will require patience as the stuffing is substantial. I would have expected the vintage's low acidity to give this wine more accessibility, but that is not the case. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. RP
WA88