A write-up below of a memorable event back in March.


Has the Tart Risen??……27 March 2009

Slightly cloudy head this morning, one of those “not hungover but can’t concentrate on anything for long” mornings……and the cause? Last night was our “Launch” of Clos de Tart as our newest exclusive agency and what an evening it was. The format was a tried and tested one, how many different ways are there of doing something that is best kept simple? Masterclass/Tutored tasting (in this order – Clos de Tart 2005, 2002, 2001, 2000, La Forge de Tart 2007 then Clos de Tart 2007) followed by Champagne (Delamotte B de B 1999) and Dinner (Meursault Sous le Dos d’Ane 2006, Dom Leflaive, Clos de Tart 1996, 1999 and 2003 then Hine Early Landed 1985). I’ve done a write up of the wines and my verdicts below, (note to self to have handwriting lessons!). The evening was for 70 people including some press and it kicked off with Adam introducing Sylvain Pitiot (the “man”) who spoke well and enthusiastically, he has a very relaxed style and a big smile, it is great to see producers talk passionately but also with joy and obvious happiness/satisfaction. The evening was so exciting because in many ways we were all new to the wines….selling and representing them is going to be a lot of fun judging by the wines last night.

C de T 2005 – Powerful, masculine and structured, it has everything, some 2005’s beg to be drunk even now but this says ”I’ll be a legend if you leave me alone for as long as you can!”

2002 – Seductive, rich and (quick cough) sexy…..begging to be drunk but with potential to improve and develop further.

2001 – A star of a wine and a great expression of the vintage, very different from the 2002, leaner (in a good way) and very classical.

2000 – Some development showing….delicious and the most forward…drinking now onwards

L F de T 2007 (Cask sample) – Stunning, fresh aromatic, red fruits…less power than the “main” wine but so elegant…a little gem!

C de T 2007 (Cask sample) – Shows all the black cherry and compote fruits you want, very ripe…lovely juice, slightly closed nose but that will be a touch of “bottle shock”

Delamotte 1999 Blanc de Blancs – Refreshing but with a classical richness, balanced…simply delicious and in champagne terms a bargain

Meursault Sous le Dos d’Ane 2006, Dom Leflaive – I love white burgundy and this is on its way to being a great one, has a core that is more Puligny than Meursault. Drinkable now and refreshing but best in at least 2 more years.

Clos de Tart 1996 – A good pong initially that drifted off to leave a middle aged wine that is on the way to the farmyard, delicious but probably best either drunk by now (if you like younger burgundy) or left 2 more years to become mature. Sylavins first vintage and very impressive

1999 – An instant success, the 1996 was academic and needed to be analysed but this 1999 is begging to be drunk and enjoyed…almost too good as it would be worth keeping too.

2003 – A freak of nature in everyway…served blind I wouldn’t know whether it was Burgundy or Rhone! Rich succulent, sweet, alcoholic. Amazing and worth seeking out

Hine Early Landed 1985 – far too easy to drink….enough said on that one….

A cracking night in great company!

Right, back to the spreadsheets…the wine business is, sadly, not all tastings, lunches and dinners, we have a year-end and budgets to set…oh the joys…..

Grand National meeting at Aintree next weekend to look forward to, who knows a few winners and I might be buying some Clos de Tart!!