Clos Manou - Médoc 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Françoise and Stéphane Dief’s vineyards are located in the commune of Saint-Christoly, and through meticulous winemaking and oak aging, they produce Clos-Manou, with the aim of creating a wine suitable for aging—one that is exceptionally pure and of great stylistic perfection. For the Petit-Manou, part of the harvest is now aged in seven-hectoliter concrete eggs. These are reds 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 well worth a try.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

This renowned estate once again stands out with this superb 2020 vintage, which has received meticulous care through a complex aging process combining oak barrels, concrete eggs, and dolia (terracotta jars). It boasts a deep, almost black color and a rich, flavorful nose evoking chocolate, cloves, menthol, and very ripe black fruits; the initial impression is inviting. The palate maintains the same depth: great density and volume, powerful yet supple tannins, explosive fruit that blends beautifully with the oak, and a very long finish that brings back freshness and energy. A great Médoc with aging potential. 2028–2038

About the estate:

In 1998, Stéphane Dief and his wife Françoise leased 12 ares of land to establish their vineyard. Through the purchase of plots and the acquisition of carefully selected small vineyards, their estate now spans 17 hectares, including some very old vines, notably a small pre-phylloxera plot of Merlot planted in 1850. It has become a benchmark in the Médoc.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Clos Manou 2020 has made a brilliant debut. In the glass, it releases aromas of dark berries, plum, spices, and licorice. It is medium-bodied to full-bodied, with a deep core of vibrant fruit framed by soft, powdery tannins, and finishes with a long, violet-tinged aftertaste. Flawlessly crafted, it is a superb 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 the wine:

You can purchase all the latest vintages with confidence. The 2020 vintage, in particular, is one of the finest—if not the finest—yet. It is a rich, seductive wine with a round mouthfeel, offering all the charm of beautifully aged Merlot and silky-smooth tannins.

About the estate:

This small 18-hectare estate, located in the northern Médoc in the town of Saint-Christoly, is passionately managed by Françoise and Stéphane Dief. Meticulous vineyard management and expertly executed winemaking give the wines both charm and depth. A wonderful discovery off the beaten path of the Grand Cru Classé route, offering remarkable value for money.

Vinous

About the wine:

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

Yves Beck

About the wine:

As always, Clos Manou reveals itself with subtlety. Stéphane Dief’s attention to detail is well established, and yet each year the winemaker must start from scratch, ask the right questions, and approach the vintage with a step back while remaining attentive and responsive to its unique characteristics. The 2020 is a talented tightrope walker that navigates between ripeness and freshness on the nose. Endowed with fine, powerful tannins, it possesses an acidic structure that ensures character and freshness. The result is compelling on every level. What serenity, precision, and persistence in this wine! 2027–2045

Jean-Marc Quarin

About the wine:

A beautiful deep, intense color. The nose is very aromatic and pure, with fresh, ripe fruit and a subtle creaminess. Delicate on the palate at first, it becomes very flavorful in the mid-palate, with a refined texture; the wine glides smoothly into a long finish with velvety, even fragrant tannins. It’s excellent.