Clos René 2020

Interesting aromatics with notes of herbs, spices and berries; very Burgundian in style on the palate as well, with great richness, yet also verve and a pleasant bitterness that adds length; a particularly gratifying evolution—we clearly underrated this wine en primeur.

Blue fruits, cola and liquorice on the nose. Sharp and quite high-toned initially, a rush of bright red fruits, almost sour — raspberries, red cherries and herbal strawberries, with nice floral elements. Detailed and nuanced with well-integrated wood, though it lacks a little substance and push on the mid-palate. Mouthwatering and energetic, but just missing a little spark.

Beautiful blackberry aromas with some fresh mushroom and forest flower character. Full-bodied with fine tannins that give the wine focus and structure. It’s fresh and vibrant at the end. Very fine structure here. Very typical. Try after 2027.

70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec. Dark fruit with spicy, peppery notes (see all that Malbec). Sweet-fruited on the palate, the tannins firm and assertive. Slightly chewy finish. Needs to settle but has substance. (JL)

The 2020 Clos René offers exquisite purity on the nose, very well defined with raspberry and wild strawberry scents, an underlying minerality that emerges with aeration. The oak is very well integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, maybe slightly coarse tannins. Fresh, with a touch of Valrhona chocolate, there is a bit of muscle on the finish, good length, a Pomerol that will reward several years of cellaring.

Black cherries, licorice, flowers and truffle make an appearance in the nose. The wine is medium-bodied, with a lush, polished, silky, fresh palate presence which is perfect for all of its ripe, pure, energetic, red pit fruits and spice. This has really come on strong during its barrel aging. In fact, this is at the level of the older vintages from the 40s and 50s. Drink from 2024-2045.

Kunz barrel sample 2021: red-berried, sweet bouquet, blackberry jelly, Pertinax, chocolate, caramel. Medium-bodied, fruity palate with sweet fruit, good tannins, fresh aromatics, plush structure, bitter finish.

Red-berry, sweet bouquet, blackberry jelly, Pertinax, chocolate, caramel. Medium-bodied, fruity palate with sweet fruit, good tannins, fresh aromatics, supple structure, slightly bitter finish. 17/20 2025 - 2038

They love to deliver classically-styled wines from this estate, and this is very clearly a tannic-heavy, big-shouldered old-school Pomerol with real heart and charm. Expect plenty of blackberry, black cherry and smoked earth, edging towards austere; it should be ready to go in three or four years.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Clos Rene gives up earthy notes of tilled soil, truffles, and iron ore, leading to a core of baked blackberries and plum preserves. The full-bodied palate features impressive energy, with a refreshing line and soft tannins supporting the fruit through the long finish.

92-93

2020 is in a rich style. The nose delivers creamy, earthy notes. The palate is broad, with round tannins that stretch the texture. Still marked by its piperade notes, it needs time to fully reveal itself.

An enticing, fragrant bouquet of red fruits and flower pollen. Disappointing on the palate—acidic and taut—it doesn’t live up to the promise of the delectable nose.

The nose shows modest intensity, with a fine, discreetly tight grain, a certain power and a floral edge. Notes of pistil and violet appear, along with lighter hints of fresh small blue fruits, touches of cassis, bright red berries, pepper, and a hint of clove. The palate is fruity, fresh, and driven by a crisp acidic backbone. There is minerality, a touch of smoothness, some flesh and energy. Flavors of pulpy, juicy blackberry and fairly ripe, pulpy cherry come through, with lighter notes of pistil and violet, accented by ripe, bright small blue berries, plus hints of nutmeg, toasted almond and vanilla, delicate notes of star anise, and a discreet sappy nuance in the background. A touch of mocha emerges on the finish. The bitterness is well-judged and well-handled. The tannins are precise, racy and square.

Beautifully full fruit, direct, immediately appealing, ripe without excess, with well-integrated élevage. The palate has good density, fleshy, overall very digestible and marked by lovely bitters.

The 2020 Clos René exhibits aromas of sweet cherries and rose petals, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, broad and charming palate. It’s a gourmand, expressive Pomerol that will drink well young.