Clos René 2017

Seductive aromas of berries, herbs and spices; balanced, smooth tannins, an ideal, fruity length; delightful.

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Clos Rene gives up notes of warm plums, baked black cherries and raspberry preserves with touches of truffles, bay leaves and mossy tree bark. Medium-bodied, the palate has plenty of juicy black fruit with a lively backbone and herbal lift to the finish.

A well-made wine that's not over-oaked, with firm black fruits and a clear tannic structure, but very little finesse. It's an old-school Pomerol, as this estate often produces with great success, but 2017 is an unforgiving year in many instances.

Aromas of tar, blackberry and orange peel follow through to a medium body, tangy acidity and firm tannins. Light bitterness at the finish adds to the complexity. Give it two or three years to come together more. Try after 2021.

The first thing you notice is the raspberry aromatics before moving to the soft, polished textures. The wine is easy to like and easy to drink. Medium bodied, forward and fresh, this experience ends with licorice, red fruits and espresso.

Herbal notes, light bouquet, red berries, cherries, mocha, vanilla. Sweet, light palate with a slender structure, delicate aromatics, little tannin, sweet finish. 16/20 2022 - 2030

Garnet red with violet highlights. A youthful bouquet marked by freshness, with a hint of camphor and notes of blackcurrant. The attack is tasty and fruity. On the palate, the wine is fine, light, and slightly creamy. A slightly drying touch on the finish, something I already noted during the en primeur tastings. I had hoped this would change during élevage. Here, I cannot confirm my barrel score. This does not change the fact that the wine is thoroughly enjoyable. It should be drunk in its youth.

The nose is floral, with notes of violet and cornflower, and, more subtly, fresh blackberry, joined by a touch of fresh wild blackcurrant, small juicy/ripe berries, as well as very delicate hints of Cubeb pepper, racy minerality and spices. The palate is fresh, fruity and balanced, offering a juicy/finely tangy framework, good definition and delicious appeal. On the palate, this wine shows notes of blackberry and blackcurrant and, more delicately, juicy/crunchy raspberry, accompanied by fine touches of flowers (lilac, cornflower) as well as subtle hints of chocolate/cocoa, sweet spices and a very discreet hint of caramelization. The tannins are well handled and very finely powdery.

Kunz barrel sample 18: herbs, light bouquet, red berries, cherries, mocha, vanilla. Sweet, light palate with a slender structure, delicate aromatics, little tannin, sweet finish.