Clos René 2018

The 2018 Clos René, for me the top-performing Pomerol within the western sector of the appellation, has a very well-defined and focused bouquet of perfumed blackberry, briary and truffle aromas that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, fresh and tensile, leading into a classic Pomerol finish of black truffle, white pepper and light tobacco notes. This is a classy Pomerol that should age with style.

A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and the rest Malbec, the 2018 Clos René has a big, exuberant nose of blue fruits, tobacco, toasted spice, and leafy, forest-floor like nuances. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, elegant Pomerol with beautiful tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a gorgeous finish.