Chateau Clos Manou 2017

JAMES SUCKLING: "The oak sits up with plenty of spice and attractive blueberries and plums. The palate is sleek, succulent and energetic on entry with plenty of firm tannin building into the finish. Drink or hold."

WEINWISSER: "Dichtes Purpur mit violettem Rand. Dichtes, leicht dropsiges blaubeeriges Bouquet mit Brombeeren und Holundergelee. Am fülligen Gaumen mit mehligem Extrakt und guter Balance. Im saftigen Finale getrocknete Kirschhäute und Lakritze."

DECANTER: "Francçoise and Stéphane Dief continue to apply a maniacal attention to detail at this estate - destalking by hand, for example - in an appellation that doesn't always reward in terms of price per bottle. This wine has good structure and depth of fruit, and they have clearly worked hard to get intensity without overpowering the basic flavours of cassis and bilberry. Soft liquorice and cedar notes come from the 70% new oak, where some of the wine will stay for 17 months. The rest goes in cement eggs and a small number of clay amphoras. They work organically but are not certified. Drinking Window 2022 - 2032"