2023 Clos Rene (Pomerol)

Jean-Marie Garde keeps on producing old school Pomerol that we can all be grateful still exists. Dark ruby in colour, plenty of juice, this has just a hint of grilled oak and coffee bean without going too far, 15ha estate. Scores from me vary pretty widely per vintage, because they tend to be influenced by wider weather conditions but it`s a success in 2023. The blend given is as planted in the vineyard, not specific to the vintage. 90 points

The 2023 Clos Rene is a potent, burly, old-school Pomerol. Broad shoulders and incisive tannins shape this deep 2023. Blackberry, spice, new leather, tobacco, menthol and incense lend quite a bit of character. Dollops of Franc and Malbec round out the blend. Tasted two times. 92-94 points

With the 2023 Clos Rene, this property finds a new level of depth and substance (thanks to a somewhat longer maceration and better understanding of the comportment of its various blocks) that will surprise readers habituated to the charming but relatively innocuous wines long produced at this address. Offering up aromas of blackberries and cherries mingled with hints of fruitcake and licorice, it`s medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with an impressively layered core of succulent fruit. 90-92 points

The 2023 Clos Rene has a slightly subdued nose despite coaxing: loam-infused red fruit, slightly gravelly, but we never get ‘lift-off’. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, and this Pomerol does deliver the elegance and purity I`ve come to expect on the finish. I suspect that the aromatics will meliorate during its elevage, and it will constitute a very pleasant, if early-drinking Clos Rene. 89-91 points