"...one of the revelations of the vintage...94-96 points" - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
At the beginning of April, we tasted some less well-known 2024 Bordeaux wines in London, our first opportunity for a sneak preview before visiting the region later in the month. The stand-out wine from that tasting was 2024 Clos Puy Arnaud. It's always highly reassuring when a wine leaps out at us from a line-up, without knowing its reputation or cost. This Cabernet Franc-driven Castillon Côte de Bordeaux red had a deep, intense palate of dark fruit combined with a crunchy freshness that we find so often in biodynamic wines (Palmer is an excellent example).
If Clos Puy Arnaud is relatively unfamiliar to us, its owner, Thierry Valette, is not. Prior to his taking ownership of this estate in 2000, we frequently had lunch with him on our visits to Bordeaux, as his family owned Pavie and Troplong Mondot. You can read more about Valette's ownership of Clos Puy Arnaud below.
Describing the 2024 as "a revelation", Antonio Galloni scores it 94-96 points, equalling his score for 2024 Petrus! At just £195 per dozen in bond, Clos Puy Arnaud is one of the finds of the year and most certainly a wine we recommend adding to your cellar.
Offered en primeur. Landing spring 2027.
Magnums available with £20 ex-VAT bottling surcharge per six, please enquire for other formats.
All previous offers of 2024 Bordeaux can be found here.
Producer Profile
Clos Puy Arnaud
Clos Puy Arnaud is located in Castillon, to the west of St-Emilion, on the same plateau of clay and limestone that is home to Châteaux Canon, Ausone, and Troplong Mondot. The 15 hectares of vines are planted to 65% merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance made up of Malbec and other local varieties. Biodynamic viticulture has been used for twenty years or more. The estate is owned by the Valette family, wine merchants in Paris since the late 19th-century and, later, vineyard owners, including Troplong and Pavie. Thierry Valette purchased Clos Puy Arnaud in 2000.
| RED | 2024 | Clos Puy Arnaud | 75cl | £195 per case of 12 | Clos Puy Arnaud 2024 / / 75cl £195 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2024 Clos Puy Arnaud feels a bit exaggerated on the nose, as if overcompensating for the shortfalls of the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with red cherry and strawberry fruit laced with orange zest, finishing in a fresh style that partly compensates for the aromatics. Hopefully it will improve in barrel. 85-87 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Based on 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2024 Clos Puy Arnaud Grand Vin reveals ripe red and black fruits, classy vanilla oak, and floral, spicy notes. Medium-bodied, it has a charming, forward, pure, satisfying style that will drink well right out of the gate. 86-88 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2024 Clos Puy Arnaud is a great effort this year, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis, mulberries, flowers and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, layered and lively, it's framed by structured tannins that conclude with a long, resonant finish. The vintage’s fresh acidity brings energy and appeal without compromising the wine’s underlying seriousness and almost classical austerity. 89-91 points" Yohan Castaing, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Clos Puy Arnaud is one of the revelations of the vintage. Deep, powerful and resonant, with no hard edges, the 2024 is positively stellar. Dark red fruit, blood orange, spice, pomegranate and rose petal stain the palate. Clos Puy Arnaud is without question one of the wines of this very challenging year. Considering that the property is 100% biodynamic, this performance, including yields of 45 hectoliters per hectare, is simply unreal. Élevage will be about 12 months in a combination of demi-muid, barrique, amphora and porcelain. The blend is 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, quite a bit more Franc than usual. 94-96 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com |
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