Clos Manou - Médoc 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Françoise and Stéphane Dief's vines are located in the commune of Saint-Christoly, and thanks to extremely subtle vinification and aging in wood, they extract the Clos-Manou, with the intention of producing a wine for aging, very pure and of great stylistic perfection. For the Petit Manou, part of the harvest is now aged in seven-hectoliter concrete eggs. These are red wines deeply rooted in the Médoc terroir, with the structure necessary for aging. The ambitious Clos Manou cuvée demonstrates great expertise, but the second wine, Petit Manou, is also worth a detour.

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

This renowned vintage stands out once again with this beautiful 2020, which has been given every attention with complex aging combining barrels, concrete eggs, and dolia (terracotta jars). Deep color verging on black, a rich and flavorful nose evoking chocolate, cloves, menthol, and very ripe black fruits, the approach is engaging. The rest of the wine is equally deep: very dense and voluminous, with powerful but mellow tannins, explosive fruit that blends well with the wood, and a very long finish that brings back freshness and energy. A great Médoc for aging. 2028-2038

About the estate:

In 1998, Stéphane Dief and his wife Françoise leased 12 acres to create their vineyard. Through purchases of plots and acquisitions of carefully selected small vintages, their property now covers 17 hectares, with some very old vines, including a small plot of pre-phylloxera Merlot planted in 1850. It has become a benchmark in the Médoc region.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

Clos Manou 2020 has proven itself brilliantly. It unfolds aromas of black berries, plum, spices, and licorice in the glass. It is medium-bodied to full-bodied, with a deep core of vibrant fruit framed by soft, powdery tannins, and ends with a long finish with hints of violet. Flawlessly constructed, it is a wonderful example of haute couture winemaking that would put many Crus Classés to shame. 2025-2055

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About wine:

All the latest vintages can be purchased with confidence. The 2020 is one of the most accomplished, if not THE most accomplished. A delicious, seductive wine that is round on the palate, with all the charm of beautifully aged Merlot and silky tannins.

About the estate:

This small 18-hectare estate, located in the north of the Médoc region in the commune of Saint-Christoly, is passionately managed by Françoise and Stéphane Dief. Meticulous vineyard management and perfectly controlled vinification techniques give the wines both charm and depth. A wonderful discovery off the beaten track of the grands crus classés, offering remarkable value for money.

Vinous

About wine:

Clos Manou 2020 is an opulent and flamboyant wine, just as it was when first released. An explosion of black cherry jam, chocolate, new leather, spices, and sweet oak saturates the palate. All the elements are so well balanced in an irresistible 2020 vintage, even now. 2024-2035

Yves Beck

About wine:

As usual, Clos Manou reveals itself with subtlety. Stéphane Dief's attention to detail is well established, yet every year the winemaker must start from scratch, ask himself the right questions, and approach the vintage with perspective while remaining attentive and responsive to its particularities. The 2020 is a talented balancing act, navigating between maturity and freshness on the nose. With fine, powerful tannins, it has an acidic structure that ensures temperament and freshness. The result is convincing on every level. What serenity, precision, and persistence in this wine! 2027-2045

Jean-Marc Quarin

About wine:

Beautiful dark, intense color. Very aromatic, pure nose with fresh, ripe fruit and a hint of creaminess. Meticulous on the palate, very flavorful in the middle, with classy texture, the wine melts into a long finish with coated, even fragrant tannins. Very good.