2020 Clos Manou
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Clos Manou has turned out brilliantly. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of dark berries, plums, spices and licorice, it's medium to full-bodied, with a deep core of vibrant fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins, concluding with a long, violet-inflected finish. Seamlessly constructed, it's a terrific example of haute couture winemaking that would embarrass numerous classified growths.
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Françoise and Stéphane Dief's 16.5 hectares of vines in the northern part of the Médoc were decimated in 2020 by frost, and their 2020 Clos Manou comes from dismal yields of just 26 hectoliters per hectare. The blend is 57% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It has an incredible sense of minerality and almost salinity to go with impressive red and black fruits, notes of smoked tobacco and flowers, medium to full body, and integrated acidity. It's clearly an outstanding wine that's going to offer loads of pleasure over the coming decade or so.
The 2020 Clos Manou, one-third aged in concrete, has closed down a little after bottle, yet still, it has a gorgeous bouquet with red berry fruit, blood orange and subtle sous-bois aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with tannins that have firmed up since I tasted this from barrel - rendering a more "serious" Médoc that will require a little more aging than I estimated. Very fine.
About the producer
Clos Manou is one of Bordeaux’s most under-rated addresses. The tiny estate is in the northern reaches of the Médoc, but produces wine that puts some Classed Growths to shame.