Clos Manou 2022

A blend of 52% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Petit Verdot and 2.5% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Clos Manou is, as always, a real success. Evoking aromas of dark wild berries, licorice, pencil lead and cigar wrap, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated with a seamless, fleshy core of fruit and velvety tannins that lead to a long, elegant and lead pencil-inflected tannins. 2028 - 2038

Firm and velvety with medium body and juicy dark berries in the middle. Broad and chalky finish.

Vivid cherry red, sage and freshly cut herbs on the aromatics, so happy to come back to this wine and find it still delivering on all cylinders. Plump bilberry and blueberry fruits, cigar box and clove spices, leans in to the vintage without straying over the line, chalky tannins add lift. Was a buy En Primeur and remains a buy today.

As usual, Stephane Dief has produced a captivating wine from this over-performing estate nestled far in the northern Médoc, "where the busses don't run". The 2022 Clos Manou is a blend of 52% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Petit Verdot and a smattering of Cabernet Franc. It stands out for its aromas of cassis, dark berries and plums mingled with peonies, violets and a subtle hint of cigar box. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, fleshy mouthfeel girdled by racy acids, concluding with a long, vibrant finish.