The 2020 Clos Puy Arnaud is a Bordeaux blend hailing from the Cotes de Castillon sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Clos Puy Arnaud, this red wine is composed of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has an alcohol content of 13.5% and is sealed with a cork closure.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a score of 92, noting it "evokes aromas of dark berries, cassis, violet, and spices" and possesses "a medium to full-bodied texture on the palate, lively acidity, structuring tannins, and a long, saline finish." Reviewer Yohan Castaing emphasized the estate's stylistic evolution towards more supple tannins in this vintage.
Vinous awarded the wine an impressive 95 points, with Antonio Galloni describing it as "one of the great wines of this vintage." Galloni praised its rich, deep, and exquisitely layered profile, highlighting flavors of "inky red fruit, blood orange, spice, and mocha." He also commended the wine's "silky tannins" and "plush, inviting finish," noting its "saline energy and precision." This particular vintage was aged in a mix of barrels of different sizes and amphora, adding to its character and personality.
Wine Spectator gave the wine a score of 91, describing it as "ripe and juicy" with "fun black currant and blackberry notes, along with sweet tobacco and sanguine accents." The reviewer noted that the fruit "drives nicely through the finish, where an alder edge plays out too." The publication recommends drinking this wine now through 2029, and mentioned that 3,390 cases were made, with 100 cases imported.
Decanter also praised the wine, awarding it 94 points and highlighting its "burst of ripe berry fruit on the nose" and "gorgeous depth of expression." The wine is noted for being "more tannic than in many years, but not bitter or tight," with a clear "purity of fruit expression." This vintage has a pH of 3.32 and is certified biodynamic. It was aged in 10% new oak, with the rest in large-sized oak vats and amphora, and is unfiltered and unfined.
Similarly, Jane Anson gave the wine 94 points, noting it "retains the gunsmoke whiff that reflects the reductive way of working followed by owner Thierry Valette." Anson described it as having "vibrant and crunchy blue and black fruits" and being "concentrated but absolutely light on its feet," making it a "delicious 2020 that is bursting with flavor."
In summary, the 2020 Clos Puy Arnaud is a highly acclaimed Bordeaux blend with a notable balance of rich fruit flavors, structured tannins, and vibrant acidity, making it a standout wine from the Cotes de Castillon sub-region.