"83-85 Points, Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "There is a little greenness on the nose here. The palate has a nice supple entry, nice weight and none of the under-ripeness that the nose suggests. Tasted April 2009.""
Denis and Florence Dubourdieu took the helm at Clos Floridène in 1982. The vineyard is in Pujols sur Ciron in the Graves region to the south of Bordeaux and expanded from an initial holding of 2ha to the current size of 15ha through the judicious purchase of adjoining sites over the years. The red vineyards are planted 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28.5 % Merlot and 1.5 % Cabernet Franc. Following manual harvest and maturation in 1/3 new oak the wine takes on a lovely deep colour and a sumptuous silky texture.
Oz Clarke, Bordeaux; The Wine, The Vineyards, The winemakers
The much improved red is made mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon grown on clay-limestone soils, which gives it a fine, fresh minerally edge but doesn't damage its soft, mellow texture. The red needs three or four year's bottle age while the can be drunk young but in the best vintages will age well.
Jacqueline Freidreich, The Wines of France
Denis Dubourdieu was one of the leading oenologists in France, particularly where white wines are concerned. A professor at the University of Bordeaux, he influenced an entire generation of vintners. His own wines, not surprisingly, were textbook, always, intelligent, balanced, and true to the vintage and the AC. They are also vibrant, flavorful and focused.
