2014 Clos des Jacobins
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Clos des Jacobins has a simple and slightly over-egged bouquet that needs more delineation and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy, thickset tannin, quite extracted in style although there remains just about enough freshness on the finish. It seems to fatigue quite quickly in the glass though. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Sweeter and riper than most. Then dry on the finish. Positively thick and dense. Very ambitious. Serious intentions but a bit dry on the end. (JR)
The 2014 Clos des Jacobins has a rather disjointed bouquet compared to its peers, with strong peat-like undergrowth aromas that obstruct the black and red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, blackcurrant pastilles mixed with licorces and sea salt. It is trying to juggle too many things at once to impress, a Saint Emilion that if simpler would have worked better. Plus, it falls away too quickly on the finish.
The 2014 Clos des Jacobins is quite powerful and tannic. Dark red and purplish-hued stone fruits, wild flowers, mint, tobacco and sage add aromatic nuance. The tannins remain imposing and need time to soften. The blend is 80 % Merlot, 18 % Cabernet Franc and 2 % Cabernet Sauvignon. Hubert de Boüard is the consulting winemaker.