2016 Clos Rene
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Tasting notes
You can’t go wrong with old school Pomerol on a cold winter evening. My suggestion with these super traditional wines like Clos Rene is to choose them in great vintages like 2016, where the edge of rusticity becomes unfussy drinkability. Expect supple tannins, a ton of blackberry and red cherry fruit, smoked earth and crushed rose petals. Owner Jean-Michel Garde is the long term president of the appellation, very low key and rarely strays from his family estate. I’m pretty sure he’s a fan of gathering cèpe mushrooms at this time of year, so you could even pan-fried some with parsley, garlic and butter, and settle in for the night.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The ruby/purple-hued 2016 Clos René is a charming, pleasure-bent effort that has good richness and depth in its dark fruits, black raspberries, tobacco leaf, and background oak. It’s charming, mouthfilling, and totally satisfying. Drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years or so.
The 2016 Clos René has a tightly wound but well defined bouquet with undergrowth-tinged black fruit, bay leaf and light pencil lead aromas. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, quite fresh in the mouth, classically styled as usual, and nicely focuses toward the finish. Often overlooked, this is a sophisticated and finely sculpted Pomerol. Recommended.