2023 Château Clos René

The 2023 Clos René is a potent, burly, old-school Pomerol. Broad shoulders and incisive tannins shape this deep 2023. Blackberry, spice, new leather, tobacco, menthol and incense lend quite a bit of character. Dollops of Franc and Malbec round out the blend. Tasted two times.

- Antonio Galloni (04/2024)

Notes of ripe dark berries and chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied with compact, velvety tannins. Good concentration at the core with a lingering finish. (05/2024)

Based on 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot, the 2023 Clos René is a medium-bodied, focused, slightly old school-styled effort that has attractive darker cherry and blackberry fruits, some spicy, earth, leathery nuances, ripe tannins, good mid-palate depth, and solid length on the finish. Coming from the talented team of Thomas Duclos, it's a satisfying effort that will drink well for a decade. (05/2024)

A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec, the 2023 Clos Rene has a deep garnet-purple color. It comes barreling out with notes of plum preserves, cedar, and wild thyme, followed by hints of redcurrant jelly, black truffles, and fertile loam. The medium-bodied palate is lightly chewy, with a lively line and just enough expressive fruit, finishing with a savory lift. (05/2024)

With the 2023 Clos René, this property finds a new level of depth and substance (thanks to a somewhat longer maceration and better understanding of the comportment of its various blocks) that will surprise readers habituated to the charming but relatively innocuous wines long produced at this address. Offering up aromas of blackberries and cherries mingled with hints of fruitcake and licorice, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with an impressively layered core of succulent fruit.

- William Kelley (04/2024)