Clos Manou 2019

From an 18-hectare estate planted at a density of around 10,000 vines per hectare, the 2019 Clos Manou is a serious wine. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berry fruit, cigar wrapper, licorice and espresso roast, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with terrific concentration, lively acids and plenty of ripe, powdery tannin that will reward a bit of bottle age. It's closed with an Ardeaseal technical cork as used by Burgundy's Domaine Ponsot among others. This estate merits a mention in any list of Bordeaux's finest under-the-radar producers. 2025 - 2050

The 2019 Clos Manou has a ripe, extroverted bouquet of black cherries, mulberry, rose petal and slight confit aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe tannins, fleshy and generous. The smooth, spicy, voluminous finish is irresistible. Can I say "yummy" in a professional note? Yummy. 2024-2035

Aromas of dark plums, blueberries, earth, bark and gravy. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Dark and earthy character. Firm finish. Better in 2024.

Deep purple/ruby-hued, the 2019 Clos Manou has a terrific bouquet of ripe red and black fruits as well as cedar pencil, savory flowers, spice box, and tobacco. Gorgeously balanced and medium to full-bodied, with ripe, present tannins and both elegance and richness, it's one heck of an impressive Médoc readers should snatch up. It will easily keep for 10-15 years. 2022 - 2037