2020 Clos Puy Arnaud
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Tasting notes
Certified biodynamic (Biodyvin). Oldest vines. 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec. Cold pre-fermentation maceration under inert gas. Then, spontaneous fermentation at low temperatures (25 °C max). Aged for eight months in barrels (10% in new wood), demi-muids and amphorae. Then, blending for five months in unlined cement vats. Lifted aroma of Cabernet Franc sings from the glass in dark-red fruit and a touch of cedar. Firm, chewy but supple tannins. That same vibrant fruit on the palate. Complete wine and still very youthful. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Evoking aromas of dark berries, cassis, violet and spices, the 2020 Clos Puy Arnaud possesses a medium to full-bodied texture on the palate, lively acidity, structuring tannins and a long, saline finish. This vintage confirms the slight stylistic evolution of this estate to more supple tannins.
Checking in as 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Clos Puy Arnaud was aged 10% in new barrels, with a portion of the blend aged in amphora and demi-muids. It has lots of darker mulberry-like fruits, some floral and earthy nuances, medium to full body, and a layered, mouth-filling texture delivering lots of charm. It's going to keep for a solid 8-10 years.
The 2020 Clos Puy Arnaud is quite understated on the nose, but don't dismiss this because it unfolds wonderfully with aeration, quite classic in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very supple, nicely detailed with a terroir-driven, rather refined and tensile finish, a hint of graphite on the aftertaste. Excellent.