Clos St. Martin dates back to at least the early 1800’s. The vineyard was owned by the Rieffers family from 1850 to 2013. Clos St. Martin takes its name from the St. Martin, who is the Patron Saint for wine growers, soldiers and beggars. In March, 2013 the Cuvelier family, the owners of Chateau Clos Fourtet, headed by Matthieu Cuvelier, purchased the property. Clos St. Martin is situated next to the likes of Chateau Canon, Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot and Chateau Beausejour Duffau. Clos St. Martin with its 1.33-hectare vineyard is the smallest classified Bordeaux wine in the Saint Emilion appellation.
Crimson in color. 13.5% ABV. Super nose of plums, cedar and cigar box. Surprising power from in a Right Bank wine from the overlooked ’04 vintage. Currants, cassis, tobacco and earth on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. The wine showed way better than expected based on previous experience with this bottling. Drink over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Current vintages of Clos St. Martin including the ’16 and ’18 are worth considering for the cellar at around $100 per bottle.