Clos Manou 2018

- 89-91 Punkte Robert Parkers WINE ADVOCATE, Lisa Perrotti-Brown: "From Saint-Christoly-Médoc and Couquèques, the 2018 Clos Manou is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc and has 14% alcohol. Total aging should run 17 months, 70% in new French oak barrels, 25% in concrete eggs and 5% in terracotta jars. Deep purple-black in color, it bursts from the glass with vibrant red and black currants, black raspberries and red plums scents with hints of woodsmoke, tar and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has bags of energy with juicy red and black fruit and a firm, grainy texture, finishing savory."

- 91 Punkte VINOUS, Neal Martin: "The 2018 Clos Manou has quite an intense bouquet of black cherries, blueberry and light violet scents, all nicely defined and focused. The palate is based around a core of black and blue fruit laced with orange sorbet and quite a citrus-fresh, yet structured finish. This is a fine Médoc masquerading as a modern-style Saint-Émilion!"

- 90-92 Punkte VINOUS, Antonio Galloni: "The 2018 Clos Manou is plump, juicy and delicious, with striking up-front richness and tons of dark fruit. Black cherry, chocolate, spice and new leather are amped up. This is an especially dense, sumptuous style. It works beautifully."

- 93 Punkte DECANTER, Jane Anson: "Accomplished and sleek stuff from Stéphane Dief. These are high alcohols for a Médoc wine, and you feel it through the powerful ripe fruits and round mouthfeel, but it is balanced by fresh acidities and a tannic wall that feels well defined and impactful. Drinking Window 2023 – 2040"

- 17 Punkte Rene Gabriels BORDEAUX TOTAL, Andre Kunz: "Kunz Fassprobe 19: Samtenes, fruchtiges Bouquet, blaue und schwarze Beeren, Zedern, fein Caramel. Ausgewogener, voller Gaumen mit kräftiger Frucht, feinem Tannin, cremiger Struktur, feiner Aromatik, langer, frischer Abgang."

- 92 Punkte JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2018 Clos Manou comes from the northern part of the Médoc and 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Notes of mulled red and blue fruits, spice, tobacco leaf, espresso, and violets all emerge from the glass, and it has a wonderful richness, building structure, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. Just a gem of a Médoc that I suspect will represent a great value, it's well worth snatching up and enjoying over the coming 10-12 years."

- 92 Punkte JAMES SUCKLING: "Blueberry, blackberry, mushroom and herbal notes on the nose. Full-bodied with dusty tannins. Balanced and flavorful. Medium, savory finish. Some nice bark and mushroom undertones at the finish. Try after 2023."