From ancient and predominantly ungrafted vines, Clos Manou's 2021 Cuvée 1850 Vignes Prephylloxeriques was matured in equal parts new oak and glass wine globes. Unwinding in the glass with notes of minty berries, violets, rose petals and lilac, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a layered and concentrated mid-palate, ripe tannins and lively acids, concluding with a long, pure finish. In a blind tasting, this could cause serious problems for more than a few top-classified growths, but that's hardly surprising when one has seen Dief's impeccable vineyard work and spotlessly maintained winery.
