| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This is an 18 hectare vineyard in the Medoc that was recently highlighted by William Kelley of The Wine Advocate as one of the finest "under-the-radar" estates in Bordeaux. Recent vintages have impressed us greatly and they offer exceptional value for money.
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.
Deep ruby colour, with a nose of pure cassis that has an oily, dense richness. Silky, fleshy fruit dominates the palate, with just a hint of spice, subtle and integrated, to add some sweetness and spice. The tannins are fine and chalky, adding a persistent bite without overwhelming the fruit. Long, succulent and moreish on the finish, this is an overperformer again in 2022.
Firm and velvety with medium body and juicy dark berries in the middle. Broad and chalky finish.
No secret that I am a fan of this small production, high quality estate in the Médoc region, owned by Françoise and Stéphane Dief. Once again here it shows you why. This is absolutely staying in the lines of 2022 in terms of its full-on inky colour, but there are vibrant violet edges, and this feels sleek but restrained. A real standout, leaning into the vintage with its clearly ripe dark fruits and plush chocolate and liquorice lacing, but never feeling over the top. A buy.
