2011 Clos Manou
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Tasting notes
I have thought very highly of this cuvee in past vintages. The 2011, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot from the northern part of the Medoc, in the well-known Cru Bourgeois epicenter, St.-Christoly, is a legitimate sleeper of the vintage. Rich and concentrated with a dense ruby/purple color, it offers lots of cassis, cedar, tobacco leaf and spice notes as well as soft tannins and a round, generous mouthfeel. Drink this medium-bodied winner over the next 4-5 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Deep, dark crimson. Classic Bordeaux cedary cassis – not that common in 2011. Fresh dark fruit on the palate too, with the tannins well handled so as not to overwhelm the moderate density of the fruit and give a slight chew on the finish. Not a blockbuster but really harmonious and digestible with a long cedary finish. (JH)
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.