10 Most Popular Clos de Tart Vintages

The Legendary 1945 Vintage

The 1945 vintage of Clos de Tart is renowned for its exceptional quality and depth, making it a sought-after choice for collectors and wine enthusiasts alike. This legendary year produced a wine that is both robust and intricately layered, offering a unique tasting experience that has stood the test of time. When considering food pairings for such a distinguished vintage, it is essential to select dishes that complement its rich profile.

• Roasted Lamb: The succulent flavors of lamb, especially when encrusted with herbs and slow-roasted, harmonize beautifully with the earthy tones of the 1945 Clos de Tart.

• Truffle Risotto: A creamy risotto with a generous amount of black truffles brings out the subtle complexities of the wine, enhancing its aromatic profile.

• Aged Cheeses: Opt for cheeses with bold, mature flavors such as Gruyère or Comté to match the wine’s intensity.

• Dark Chocolate: A piece of high-cocoa dark chocolate can accentuate the deep, velvety notes of the vintage, providing a luxurious finish to your meal.

Choosing the right pairings will ensure that both the wine and the food are mutually elevated, creating a memorable culinary experience.

The Highly Acclaimed 2015 Vintage

The 2015 vintage of Clos de Tart has garnered widespread acclaim, making it a standout among Burgundy enthusiasts. This particular year benefited from an exceptional climatic balance, which contributed to the development of richly flavored grapes. The resulting wine is noted for its remarkable complexity and depth, characteristics that have led to its high praise.

• Aromatic Profile: The nose is immediately captivating, offering layers of dark cherry, violet, and a hint of spice.

• Palate Structure: On the palate, it reveals a full-bodied experience with velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish.

• Aging Potential: Experts suggest that its structure will allow it to age gracefully, enhancing its intricate flavors over time.

For those interested in exploring the nuances of this exquisite vintage, further details on its taste can provide a deeper understanding of why it stands out so prominently in the wine community. Collectors and casual drinkers alike find the 2015 Clos de Tart not only a delightful experience but also a worthy investment.

The Classic 1990 Vintage

The 1990 vintage of Clos de Tart is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, a hallmark that sets it apart in the world of fine wines. This particular year is often celebrated for producing a wine that perfectly balances richness with complexity, making it a standout among collectors and connoisseurs alike.

• Flavor Profile: The 1990 vintage features a robust palette of ripe cherries and blackberries, intertwined with subtle hints of vanilla and spice. This complexity in flavor is attributed to the meticulous vineyard management and precise aging processes.

• Aging Potential: Renowned for its longevity, this vintage continues to evolve beautifully in the bottle. Many enthusiasts note that its depth and structure become more pronounced with time, suggesting that it has not yet reached its peak.

• Critical Acclaim: Upon release, the 1990 vintage received widespread acclaim, securing high ratings from wine critics. Its excellence is often attributed to the ideal weather conditions of that year, which were optimal for growing the Pinot Noir grapes that define this iconic wine.

• Investment Value: As a result of its popularity and aging potential, the 1990 Clos de Tart is a highly sought-after item for wine investors and collectors, often fetching premium prices at auctions and private sales.

The Excellent 2005 Vintage

The 2005 vintage of Clos de Tart is often celebrated for its exceptional quality and complexity. This particular year benefited from ideal weather conditions in Burgundy, leading to a harvest that produced wines of both excellent structure and longevity. The grapes achieved perfect ripeness, resulting in a wine with rich, concentrated flavors and a balance that connoisseurs admire.

• Aromatic Profile: The 2005 Clos de Tart exudes deep aromas of cherry, blackberry, and violets, intertwined with hints of earth and spice.

• Tasting Notes: On the palate, it offers a robust body with velvety tannins and a lingering finish that reveals layers of fruit and mineral nuances.

• Aging Potential: Renowned for its aging capability, this vintage can be cellared and enjoyed over the next several decades, evolving in complexity.

• Acclaim: Critics and enthusiasts alike have praised the 2005 vintage, often scoring it above 95 points on various wine rating scales.

• Investment Value: Due to its acclaim and rarity, bottles of this vintage have seen significant appreciation in value, making it a worthy addition to any investment portfolio.

For more detailed facts about Clos de Tart, including its history and production methods, exploring dedicated resources can provide deeper insights.

The Balanced 2012 Vintage

The 2012 vintage of Clos de Tart is renowned for its exceptional balance and structure, making it a standout among collectors and enthusiasts. This year was marked by a relatively mild winter followed by a warm spring, setting the stage for ideal vine growth conditions. Summer brought moderate temperatures, which allowed the grapes to ripen perfectly, achieving an optimal balance of acidity and sweetness.

• Weather Influence: The climatic conditions of 2012 were pivotal in shaping the characteristics of the vintage. The absence of extreme weather events ensured that the vines were not stressed, leading to uniformly ripe and healthy grapes.

• Winemaking Techniques: Innovations in winemaking also played a crucial role. The introduction of more precise temperature control during fermentation enabled winemakers to preserve the delicate aromas and flavors inherent in the Pinot Noir grapes.

• Tasting Notes: Wine from this vintage typically displays a rich ruby color, with aromas of cherry and blackberry. On the palate, it offers a silky texture with subtle hints of spice and a long, elegant finish.

For more detailed insights, you can explore the history of Clos de Tart to understand how historical events have shaped the winemaking philosophy and practices at this esteemed vineyard.

The Robust 1985 Vintage

The 1985 vintage of Clos de Tart stands out for its robust character and depth, making it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. This exceptional year is celebrated for the optimal weather conditions that prevailed in Burgundy, leading to the creation of a wine with intense flavors and remarkable aging potential. The grapes from this season were particularly concentrated, offering a rich palette of aromas including ripe cherries, blackcurrants, and a hint of earthy truffle.

• Flavor Profile: The 1985 vintage features a complex blend of fruit and spice, with notes of cinnamon and clove complementing the dark fruit flavors.

• Aging Potential: Renowned for its longevity, this vintage continues to evolve, developing more nuanced flavors over time.

• Collectibility: Due to its exceptional quality and limited production, the 1985 Clos de Tart is highly sought after in auctions and private sales.

For those interested in enjoying a bottle of this exquisite vintage, it is advisable to ensure proper storage conditions to maintain its integrity and enhance its evolution. Whether opened now or saved for a special occasion, the 1985 Clos de Tart promises a memorable tasting experience.

The Surprising 2003 Vintage

The 2003 vintage of Clos de Tart stands out for its unique characteristics, primarily due to the extreme weather conditions of that year. Known for its robust flavors and exceptional depth, this vintage has intrigued wine enthusiasts worldwide. The heatwave that swept across Europe in 2003 stressed the vineyards, resulting in grapes with concentrated sugars and distinct flavor profiles. This has led to a wine that, while potentially challenging in its youth due to higher tannin levels, has evolved beautifully over time.

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and extending the life of such a notable vintage. Ideal conditions include a cool, stable temperature, away from direct sunlight, and sufficient humidity to keep corks in good condition. For detailed guidance on how to store your Clos de Tart, ensuring it matures gracefully, consider the following tips:

• Maintain a constant temperature, ideally between 12°C and 14°C.

• Ensure the storage area is free of vibrations and odors that could affect the wine’s integrity.

• Position bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist, which prevents air from entering the bottle and spoiling the wine.

The Elegant 1999 Vintage

The 1999 vintage of Clos de Tart is renowned for its exceptional balance and depth, which stand out even in the storied history of Burgundy wines. This particular year is often celebrated for producing wines that showcase a perfect blend of strength and elegance, making it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

• Complex Aromas: The nose is greeted with an intricate array of scents ranging from ripe cherries and blackberries to subtle hints of earth and spices.

• Rich Palate: On the palate, this vintage offers a rich, full-bodied experience with layers of juicy red fruit intertwined with velvety tannins.

• Long Finish: It concludes with a persistent, graceful finish that leaves a lasting impression of well-integrated oak and spice notes.

Critics and connoisseurs often highlight the characteristics of the 1999 Clos de Tart for its ability to balance intensity with finesse, a hallmark of truly great wines. This vintage not only reflects the unique terroir of its Burgundy origin but also the skilled craftsmanship behind its production.

The Refined 2010 Vintage

The 2010 vintage of Clos de Tart stands out for its exceptional balance and depth, characteristics that make it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. This particular year benefited from ideal weather conditions, leading to a wine that is both robust and elegantly structured. When considering how to serve this exquisite vintage, there are several factors to keep in mind:

• Temperature: Serving this wine at the right temperature is crucial. Aim for about 16-18°C (60-65°F) to best accentuate its complex aromas and flavors.

• Decanting: Allow the wine to breathe by decanting it for at least an hour before serving. This process helps to soften the tannins and release the full spectrum of its bouquet.

• Glassware: Use large, balloon-shaped glasses to enhance the olfactory experience, allowing the wine’s rich scents of cherry, spice, and earth to emerge.

• Food Pairing: Complement the wine with dishes that can match its intensity. Good pairings include roasted red meats, game, or richly flavored cheeses.

By following these guidelines, the refined qualities of the 2010 Clos de Tart can be fully appreciated, making every sip a memorable experience.

The Youthful 2018 Vintage

The 2018 Clos de Tart vintage stands out for its vibrant, youthful qualities, making it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. This particular year was marked by a warm growing season, which is reflected in the wine's robust flavors and aromatic intensity. Here are some key characteristics of the 2018 vintage:

• Richness in Flavor: The warmth of the 2018 summer contributed to the development of rich, concentrated flavors in the grapes. Notes of ripe cherries, blackberries, and a hint of spice dominate the palate, offering a lush, enveloping experience.

• Vibrant Acidity: Despite the heat, the 2018 Clos de Tart managed to maintain a remarkable level of acidity. This not only balances the richness but also adds a layer of freshness that invigorates the overall tasting experience.

• Aging Potential: Given its structure and complexity, the 2018 vintage has significant aging potential. Experts suggest that while it is already approachable, it could benefit from a few more years in the cellar to fully develop its depth and nuances.

• Aromatic Complexity: On the nose, this vintage exudes aromas of violet, licorice, and earthy undertones, which are typical for Clos de Tart but with an added intensity due to the conditions of the year.

Collectors seeking a dynamic and promising addition to their cellar will find the 2018 Clos de Tart to be an excellent choice, promising further evolution and discovery with time.

Conclusion

In exploring the 10 most popular Clos de Tart vintages, we've journeyed through a rich tapestry of flavors, aromas, and the storied history of one of Burgundy's most revered vineyards. Each vintage carries its unique signature, reflecting the nuances of its specific growing year and the meticulous care in viticulture and winemaking. From the robust and complex 2005 vintage to the more delicate and aromatic 2016, Clos de Tart offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of fine Burgundian wine.

For enthusiasts and collectors alike, acquiring these vintages can be more than just a purchase—it's an investment in a luxurious experience and potentially, a profitable venture. At Rekolt, we understand the value of both the enjoyment and investment aspects of wine collecting. That's why we offer specialized services such as professional cellar storage and a seamless platform for reselling and trading fine wines. This ensures that your prized bottles are kept in optimal conditions, preserving their quality and enhancing their value over time.

Whether you're looking to expand your collection, invest in rare vintages, or simply enjoy a bottle of exquisite wine, Rekolt provides the expertise and resources to meet your needs. By choosing our services, you ensure that each bottle's potential is fully realized, making every sip as rewarding as it is memorable.