2017 Clos Manou
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Clos Manou is dark and sumptuous in the glass with no hard edges and exceptional balance. Super-ripe black cherry, chocolate, spice, new leather and licorice all meld together in this racy, flamboyant wine.
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James Suckling
Neal Martin
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Deep garnet-purple colored with a nose of blackberry compote, baked plums, cassis and herbs with leather, bay leaves and tobacco touches. The palate is medium-bodied and chewy with a good core of fruit and appealing freshness, finishing just a little rustic.
The 2017 Clos Manou comes from Saint Christoly-du-Médoc and Conquèques that is matured in 70% new oak and 5% in terracotta jars. This has a perfumed bouquet with vivid redcurrant and cranberry fruit, becoming more glossy with aeration. Cassis emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity with a gentle grip. This is lightly spiced with a slightly tarry finish. Overall, a lovely Médoc that will give a lot of pleasure.
Made by Stephane Dief and from a 16.5-hectare vineyard in Saint-Christoly in the Northern Medoc, the 2017 Clos Manou offers a ripe, modern, impressive style that carries lots of cassis fruit, notes of flowers, and graphite, beautiful purity of fruit, and a soft, balanced, already delicious style. Based on 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, aged in 70% new French oak, it’s a serious, high-quality 2017 to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years.
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.