Clos René 2024

Medium-bodied, floral, fresh, and bright, with licorice, cherries, plums, and cocoa on the mid-palate that carry through to the finish. The wine blends 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec. Drink from 2027–2038. 89–91 pts

The nose is spicy, straightforward and racy. It reveals notes of smoke and clove, with subtler hints of cornflower, along with touches of nutmeg, a hint of blackberry and wild strawberry, as well as discreet touches of spice. It also shows a hint of blackcurrant, fairly ripe cherry, a touch of sweet tobacco and Cubeb pepper. The palate is fruity and juicy, offering a tangy backbone, energy, good definition, a certain juiciness and accuracy, fine linearity and tension in the tannic framework. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackcurrant and purple plum, with lighter hints of cornflower, together with touches of vibrant cherry and crushed redcurrant, as well as notes of cinnamon, clove and smoke. Good length.

This is in a sector of Pomerol that saw quite a bit of hail, so it's pretty impressive to see Clos Rene delivering a wine with plenty of colour, and sweet ruby fruit, touches of grilled cedar and coffee bean on the finish, a good job in a tough year. Grape blend given is as planted, not vintage.