Clos des Jacobins Saint-Émilion Grand Cru (Grand Cru Classé) 2016

Clos des Jacobins is situated at the entrance to the medieval town, right in the heart of the great Saint-Emilion wine estates.

Since the 17th century, this especially uniform vineyard forms a single plot around the cellars. It lies at the foot of the hill, and therefore benefits from the natural erosion of the plateau, which mixes limestone fragments with the clay. This location, coupled with its southern orientation, makes for a terroir that is early cropping and generous.

The name Clos des Jacobins comes from a group of Benedictine monks — known as Jacobins — who, working their vineyards just outside the city of Saint-Émilion, offered pilgrims on the road of St-Jacques de Compostel wine and shelter on their farm. Today, the estate is the crown jewel in the collection of Magali and Thibaut Descoter, who also own and operate three other Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estates, a restaurant and wine tourism business.

The vineyards of Clos des Jacobins cover 8.5 hectares with perfect southern exposure on soils of limestone rock, clay and calcareous scree. Magali and Tibaut have spared no expense in the vineyard or the cellar, and their hard work and dedication, along with the advice of Hubert de Bouard, have quietly made Clos des Jacobins the most outstanding value in Saint-Émilion.

All the cellars were entirely renovated starting in 2004. The wooden vats are temperature controlled. Offices, a reception and tasting room and a storage cellar were completed in July 2006.

Having been ranked amongst Saint-Emilion’s greatest wines between 1940 and 1950, Clos des Jacobins subsequently fell from favour, although it has been classified from the beginning of the Saint-Emilion Classification in 1995.

The 2016 Clos des Jacobins has a well defined bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, plum and cherry fruit, lined with light floral and savoury hints, all carried by fine chalky minerality that lingers on the finish. the palate is medium-bodied with a slight chewy entry. Feels bold, assertive and dense. 

Award:

91 Wine Spectator

88-90 Robert Park

94 James Suckling

16.5 J. Robinson

VIVINO 4.1