2018 Clos Manou (Medoc)

This is pretty tight, and they have gone long on the tannins this year. The palate is silky, with cassis and bilberry notes alongside more juice-filled, textured blackberry notes. It`s ambitiously structured, with plenty of cocoa, dark chocolate and pencil shavings. A serious wine with high acidity that should age well, but there are more generous wines in this vintage. 5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Owned by François and Stéphane Dief, the property is located in St Christoly du Médoc. Drinking Window 2023 - 2034. 93 points

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. 89-91 points