At a glance

Producer

Clos Manou

Region

Médoc, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Mainly Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$40 USD

Tasting profile

Ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, dark cherry, graphite, tobacco, cedar, subtle spices. Oak well integrated.

Evolution: Will develop more leather, cigar box, earthy and truffle notes over time, softening tannins.

At peak: At peak, a harmonious blend of fruit, acidity, softened tannins, with pronounced savory notes typical of mature Médoc.

Structure

Acidity

Fresh and medium-high, providing a classic Médoc backbone

Tannins

Firm but polished; moderately high and starting to smooth out

Alcohol

13.5% ABV (typical for the vintage and region)

Aging potential

Strong for a cru artisan Médoc; can age 10-15 years from vintage, especially in good cellaring conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2042

Optimal window

2022 to 2045

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Structured and fresh, primary and secondary notes showing; will evolve further over the next several years

2017 is a classic vintage in Médoc for well-made wines like Clos Manou, showing elegant, moderate ripeness and structure. The wine is now entering its prime drinking window, with the balance of fruit, tannin, and acidity making it enjoyable now but also promising further complexity if cellared for up to a decade from vintage.

Food pairing

Ideal with grilled lamb chops, roast beef, duck breast, wild mushrooms, or hard cheeses like aged Comté. Also complements dishes with earthy sauces or peppercorn.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To allow the youthful structure to open up and integrate, releasing aromatic complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Clos Manou uses sustainable and precision viticulture (cover crops, organic fertilizers, minimal chemicals where possible), high-density planting for lower environmental impact, and selective hand harvesting. The estate is increasingly adopting renewable energy and recycles water where viable. Packaging is classic Bordeaux (glass, cork), with sturdy but not over-luxurious materials.

Clos Manou is a leader among Médoc's serious boutique châteaux for responsible farming. Although not fully organic or biodynamic, their HVE3 certification demonstrates significant commitment to biodiversity and ecosystem preservation. Their relatively small scale allows precision in energy and water use, and the avoidance of excessive agrochemicals. The estate's carbon footprint benefits from responsible farming and short supply chains within France, though international shipping adds to emissions for imported bottles. While not as advanced as some certified-organic estates, Clos Manou outperforms average Bordeaux properties in sustainability, especially at their price point.