Clos Manou Médoc Clos Manou cuvée 1850 2022

Old vines in hot vintages are always a good bet, and these are considerably older than most, clocking in at somewhere around 170 years. Always a wine with a saline twist, and it somehow seems even more heightened in 2022, contrasting with richly textured sinewy tannins and sweet bilberry fruits, edges of tomato leaf and soy, a freshness that I have not found in many wines. Distinctive, edge of austerity right now, mouthwatering finish, thoroughly worth seeking out, great stuff from Stephane Dief. Harvest September 21. TIny quantities though – the whole production will be aged in one new oak barrel and two glass Wine Globes for 12 months, then after blending moved into an earthenware jarre for a further eight months.