Clos Manou - Médoc 2022

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 craft Clos-Manou with the aim of producing a wine for aging—one that is exceptionally pure and of the highest 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.

Decanter

About the wine:

On the nose, notes of coffee, tobacco, figs, cinnamon, violets, and blackberries—an opulent and captivating bouquet. On the palate, a silky, crystalline texture enhances the aromas of ripe fruit. This wine, both concentrated and lively, offers an intense experience, enhanced by subtle saline and graphite notes that lend it freshness and finesse. Assertive and determined, it combines undeniable power with a joyful juiciness that makes it irresistible and easy to drink. Its long finish leaves a lasting impression. An exceptional wine. Best enjoyed between 2025 and 2034.

Guide Hachette des vins

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 Merlot plot planted in 1850. It has become a benchmark in the Médoc.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

A blend of 52% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Petit Verdot, and 2.5% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Clos Manou is, as always, a true success. With aromas of dark wild berries, licorice, pencil lead, and cigar wrapper, it is medium-bodied to full-bodied, complex, and concentrated, with a lush, harmonious fruit core and velvety tannins that lead to a long, elegant finish marked by hints of pencil lead. 2028–2038

About the estate:

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

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 2022 offers a precise and concise bouquet, with aromas of blackberry, wild hedgerow, blueberries, and crushed stone that open up with aeration. It clearly outshines the other Médoc wines tasted in this series. The palate, with lovely fullness, is complex and harmonious, featuring perfectly integrated oak, remarkable fluidity, and exquisite minerality on the finish. A brilliant wine. 2026–2046

Yves Beck

About the wine:

I had the pleasure of tasting this Gem again at Nicolas Stämpfli’s, a dynamic and enthusiastic wine merchant in Switzerland. Precision and authenticity immediately come to mind when I take a whiff of the 2022 Clos Manou. What an exceptional wine. On the palate, finesse outshines power by integrating and guiding it. A wine of incredible depth, driven by vigorous tannins and vibrant acidity—particularly impressive given the hot conditions of this vintage. 2030–2050

Jean-Marc Quarin

About the wine:

Clos Manou really lets loose in this highly structured vintage (IPT 92)! Black and purple in color. The nose is intense, refined, fruity, and vanilla-like, developing creamy notes when the glass is swirled. Soft on the palate at first and immediately very flavorful, the wine unfolds as highly structured and powerful, yet velvety. The finish is long and rich, with a touch of austerity. Given the type of cork (Ardeaseal) used, I recommend decanting it before tasting, even at the last minute. Suitable for long-term aging.