Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

‘This hasn't changed much from when I first reviewed it from bottle in 2007 though it has not shut down in the fashion of many '05s at this point. An expressive and very ripe black berry fruit, spice, mocha, fresh coffee and earthy nose is surrounded by a more moderate touch of oak that continues onto the rich, full, concentrated, powerful and sweet flavors that possess superb mid-palate density and huge length. This is an extremely rich and concentrated wine that will live for ages and in fact, about the only thing that has changed is that it appears even more structured than I initially thought. In a word, fantastic. Tasted on several occasions since release with almost identical results.’ - Allen Meadows, Burghound, 96/100 (Oct 2021)

'Tasted at the pre-dinner vertical to mark Sylvain Pitiot's retirement from the domaine, the 2005 Clos de Tart Grand Cru (tasted from magnum) is bestowed a magnificent bouquet of haunting intensity and purity: wild strawberry and raspberry - every atom infused with mineral/cold stone scents with amazing focus. The palate is simply to die for. Here, a precise lattice of tannin that is incredibly framed with perfect poise and detail, there is a gentle crescendo to an incisive finish that takes your breath away. Could this be Sylvain Pitior's greatest achievement alongside the 2002? Astonishingly fine - très grand cru, très délicieux.’ - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 97/100 (Oct 2015)

‘Very dark crimson. Meaty, concentrated, wonderfully intense nose that is still very expressive even if on the palate the wine is a little closed with quite tense tannins. Lovely sweet aromas and nicely braced for a glorious future. Still rather dry on the finish but I am very optimistic about this glorious wine – concentrated but expressive.’ - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 19/20 (Dec 2009)

‘A beautiful wine, smooth, polished, with rounded corners. Its intense fruit is balanced and harmonizes well with the sweet tannins, the layers of wood and the red berry flavors. Certainly powerful, it impresses equally with the pleasure it will give in 7–10 years.’ - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 98/100 (Jan 2008)