2016 Ep Clos Floridene Red, Graves
Dark ruby; tight rim. Fruity, ripe, and smoky with notes of blackcurrant, wild strawberry and charcoal(55% cabernet; 45% merlot). Grainy tannins; fruit fresh . Some intensity.; Graves type of watery feel; medium. Simple overall, but it carries some depth. Still closed; some potential.
A 31 hectares estate that locates on a thin layer of clay sands rich in iron oxide, "the red sands of the barsacais" which covers the limestone subsoil. This limestone slab limits the rooting depth of the vine to about 50 cm. During the summer, the finely porous limestone restores to the vine the water which it has soaked during the winter, avoiding an excessive water stress.
Again, this 2016 EP red is still worth buying because:
It is of high cost performance
It is Well commented by best writers with high scores (JS92, WS92)
From a relative big vineyard and wine making family for the class, so there are good economies of scale.
Leading comments are:
Tasting Notes and Scores
Neal Martin
?
The 2016 Clos Floridene has a rich and decadent bouquet with just a touch of volatile acidity marking the black fruit, perhaps some Merlot that was picked a couple of days too late? The palate is very sweet and a little cloying, low acidity with a simple finish. Clos Floridene can be a fine Graves, but this sample was difficult to read.
Wine Spectator
89-92
Ripe, with black cherry and plum sauce flavors, backed by a solid tarry edge. Focused finish. - James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, April 2017)
James Suckling
91-92
Very good depth of fruit here with plum and berry character. Medium to full body and a savory finish. Solid Graves, as always. - March 2017
Jancis Robinson
16.5
Racy and lively with some richness underneath. Very broad and flattering, though not a really long-distance runner perhaps. Drink 2017-2021. - jancisrobinson.com, April 2017
Antonio Galloni
97-89
The 2016 Clos Floridène is an attractive Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend from the Dubourdieu family's vineyards in Graves. Black cherry, smoke, bittersweet chocolate, licorice and dark spices are all pushed forward. The 2016 is a bit more tannic and less plush than it usually is, but it is attractive nonetheless. - vinous.com, April 2017
