Mommessin Clos de Tart Grand Cru 1999

Robert Parker
Tasted at the pre-dinner vertical to mark Sylvain Pitiot's retirement from the domaine, the 1999 Clos de Tart Grand Cru is certainly the best vintage until the 2002, although I prefer the later vintage, which has a little more elegance and precision. Still, the nose here is not too shabby with gorgeous red plum and bergamot scents, dried rose petals and cold stone scents. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, strict tannin. The fruit is edging away from this 1999 and being substituted with attractive black pepper, bay leaf and Earl Grey tea notes. What remains is the weight and presence of this Clos de Tart that lingers wonderfully in the mouth. This might be considered as Pitiot's first, but not last success at the estate. Tasted September 2015.