2016 Clos Manou
Buying options
Tasting notes
Stone and mineral aromas with cement undertones. Crushed raspberries and currants. Full-bodied and so refined with a beautiful finish. Gorgeous. Mar 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Ripeness is pushed to the edge in the 2016 Clos Manou. Super-ripe black cherry, chocolate, spice, leather and licorice burst from the glass. Unctuous and flamboyant to the core, in an especially bold, full-throttle style, the 2016 is not especially subtle, but it is quite tasty. Harvest took place between October 6 and 21. The 2016 spent a full month on the skins and will see a lavish 70% new oak. Apr 2017, www.vinous.com
The 2016 Clos Manou is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, cropped at 25 hectoliters per hectare after sorting and matured in 70% new oak. The bouquet felt a little muddled compared to say the 2016 Charmail that I tasted just before it. There are some attractive undergrowth aromas but I would be looking for more detail. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, slightly dry tannin, slightly attenuated towards the finish. Not bad, but it could be better. Apr 17, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2019-2027 Apr 2017, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2019-2027
The 2016 Clos Manou is blended of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. It was aged for a total of 17 months in 70% new French oak, 20% in one-year-old barrels and 10% in seven-hectoliter concrete eggs. Deep garnet-purple colored, it has lifted notions of red and black currants, chocolate-covered cherries and spearmint with hints of lilacs and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and uncomplicated with a pleasant chew to the finish. 5,000 cases were made. Nov 2018, www.robertparker.com
About the producer

Clos Manou is one of Bordeaux’s most under-rated addresses. The tiny estate is in the northern reaches of the Médoc, but produces wine that puts some Classed Growths to shame.