Clos Puy Arnaud 2020

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Evoking aromas of dark berries, cassis, violet and spices, the 2020 Clos Puy Arnaud possesses a medium to full-bodied texture on the palate, lively acidity, structuring tannins and a long, saline finish. This vintage confirms the slight stylistic evolution of this estate to more supple tannins.

Alexandre Valette, a French entrepreneur, acquired Clos Puy Arnaud in 1937 before acquiring Ch. Troplong Mondot in Saint-Émilion and then Château Pavie in 1957. Three generations later, Thierry Valette runs this family domaine, situated in one the best terroirs of Castillon. The first biodynamic experiments were carried out in 2005, and it was labeled Biodyvin and Demeter in 2014. The wines are often austere in their youth; 5–10 years of cellaring is optimal.

Jeb Dunnuck

Checking in as 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Clos Puy Arnaud was aged 10% in new barrels, with a portion of the blend aged in amphora and demi-muids. It has lots of darker mulberry-like fruits, some floral and earthy nuances, medium to full body, and a layered, mouth-filling texture delivering lots of charm. It's going to keep for a solid 8-10 years.

James Suckling

A firm red with some attractive tannins at this stage, but it lacks a little center palate and depth. Let’s see how it develops. From biodynamically grown grapes.

Decanter Magazine

A burst of ripe berry fruit on the nose, this has the most gorgeous depth of expression. More tannic than in many years, but not bitter or tight. An excellent wine, walking the line of power and sappy juice. Purity of fruit expression is clear. 3.32pH. Certified biodynamic.10% new oak the rest in large sized oak vats and amphora. Unfiltered and unfined.

Wine Spectator

The Wine Independent

Adrian van Velsen - vvWine.ch

Andreas Larsson - Tasted

Inky dark purple core and hue. Elegant perfume of crushed chalk, black truffle, lavender, cassis and wild berries. Very nice palate offering dense and concentrated fruit with a vigorous freshness, powdery tannin, layers of inky fresh fruit plenty fo fine spice and perfectly tuned oak leading to a very long and savoury finish. Sensational.

VertdeVin