The 7.5 hectares monopole Clos de Tart is situated just south of Morey-St-Denis and has remained intact since its creation in the 12th century. It was granted Grand Cru classification in 1939.
When the Mommessins sold their négociant business to Jean-Claude Boisset they retained ownership of the Clos du Tart, which had been bought in 1932 from the Marey-Monge family. After a long period of producing competent but not always inspiring wines, Clos de Tart moved up a significant gear with the arrival of the hyper-meticulous Sylvain Pitiot in 1996.
Nowadays they usually make a Grand Cru from the best plots and older vines, and a Premier Cru from younger vines. Monsieur Pitiot and his team are totally focused on producing sublime wine of thevery highest standard in the magnificent surroundings of this ancient property.The wines are matured in 100% new oak and are bottled unfiltered. They display a seductive perfumed nose and are harmonious, refined and complex on the palate.
96 Points Vinous
Tasted at the pre-dinner vertical to mark Sylvain Pitiot’s retirement from the domaine, the 2008 Clos de Tart Grand Cru has an open and generous bouquet with wild brambly fruit, crushed strawberry, mineral and woodland scents. This is gentler than the 2009 or 2010, more open for business perhaps. The palate is (again) wonderfully balanced with rounded tannin. There is a savory edge here, a slight meatiness developing and a suggestion of Italian cured meats towards the finish, plus a saline edge. It feels satisfyingly long in the mouth with spice notes tingling right on the end of the aftertaste. Do not underestimate this excellent Clos de Tart, surely destined to be overshadowed by the 2009.
96 Points Allen Meadows
Mild but not invisible wood frames very ripe yet cool and airy dark fruit aromas that speak of earth, violets, underbrush and a hint of menthol that leads to reserved, intense and tautly muscular broad-shouldered flavors that are textured, naturally sweet, sappy and concentrated while being supported by a notably firm but not aggressive tannic spine and excellent length on the balanced and palate staining finish. This should require between 15 to 20 years to arrive at its apogee as it’s noticeably more structured but unlike some less successful ’08s, the phenolics here are quite ripe as the low yields and late picking date are clearly in evidence. This resembles the great 2001 more than a little yet there is even more overall depth of material. In short, this should be truly great in time.