2014 Clos St Julien
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Clos St Julien comes from the limestone plateau in the lieu-dit Guadet. After a middling performance in barrel, this has improved during its barrel maturation and now in bottle. It has a very refined bouquet with dark cherry and raspberry coulis aromas, the oak nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite linear and precise with a vivid, minerally finish that lingers long in the mouth. There is real terroir expression here.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Catherine Papon-Nouvel's 2014 Clos Saint Julien is a deep, richly textured wine from Saint-Émilion's plateau. Super-ripe black cherry, smoke, licorice, menthol, chocolate and torrefaction notes build as the 2014 opens up in the glass. Seamless and full-throttle to the core, the Saint Julien possesses tremendous midpalate intensity and richness. Even so, there is plenty of supporting minerality to back things up. Stylistically, the Clos Saint Julien is quite a bit riper and more overt in feel than the Cabernet Franc-dominated Petit Gravet Ainé. The blend is 60 % Merlot and 40 % Cabernet Franc.
From a tiny vineyard on the top of St.-Emilion's limestone plateau, the 2014 Clos Saint Julien is another brilliant wine from proprietor Catherine Papon-Nouvel. Dark, sensual and inviting, the 2014 Clos Saint Julien is absolutely gorgeous today. Silky tannins give the 2014 much of its polished personality. Hints of violet, licorice, smoke, menthol and sweet plum are all beautifully layered in a wine that is powerful, super-refined and caressing throughout. The blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc.