92-94

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

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. 04/2024

89-91

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2023 Clos René has a slightly subdued nose despite coaxing: loam-infused red fruit, slightly gravelly, but we never get “lift-off". The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, and this Pomerol does deliver the elegance and purity I've come to expect on the finish. I suspect that the aromatics will meliorate during its élevage, and it will constitute a very pleasant, if early-drinking Clos René. 04/2024

90-92

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

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. 04/2024

87-89

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

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

92-93

James Suckling

James Suckling

Notes of ripe dark berries and chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied with compact, velvety tannins. Good concentration at the core with a lingering finish. 04/2024