Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2023 - Clos des Jacobins

The depth of Merlot at the heart of Saint-Émilion

Clos des Jacobins 2023 is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé that expresses the character of Bordeaux's Right Bank with remarkable precision: the richness and softness of Merlot meet the aromatic complexity and structure of Cabernet Franc, supported by a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon.

The estate's approximately 8.5-hectare vineyard lies at the foot of the Saint-Émilion slopes, with a south-facing exposure and predominantly clay-limestone soils. The result is a deep, generous red wine built around ripe fruit, refined tannins and significant oak ageing.

The winemaker's notes

The 2023 Clos des Jacobins impressed me with the way it combines richness and freshness. Merlot provides a broad, juicy fruit profile, while Cabernet Franc brings aromatic depth and a more vertical structure.

The nose shows dark and ripe fruit, particularly plum, blackberry and dark berries, complemented by spicy and lightly toasted notes from the oak ageing. On the palate, it is full, creamy and structured, with tannins that are already well integrated but have enough substance to support further bottle ageing.

— Yuri Stefani

Why we chose it

Clos des Jacobins is a fine example of the Saint-Émilion style, where Merlot takes centre stage without sacrificing structure or complexity.

It is an ambitious wine, but its character is not based on power alone. The limestone terroir and Cabernet Franc component contribute freshness and definition, while the 2023 vintage shows remarkable fruit precision and interesting ageing potential.

The terroir

Clos des Jacobins is located in Saint-Émilion, on Bordeaux's Right Bank, at the foot of the slopes with a south-facing exposure. The vineyard is planted as a single block on clay-limestone soils, particularly well suited to Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

The limestone contributes freshness and mineral definition, while the clay helps retain water and supports the ripening of Merlot.

The winery

Clos des Jacobins is a historic Saint-Émilion estate, with vineyards in the area dating back to the 17th century. Since 2004, the estate has been owned by Thibaut and Magali Decoster. The vineyard covers approximately 8.5 hectares, with vines averaging around 30 years of age.

The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted. For the 2023 vintage, vinification involved maceration, punch-downs and délestage, while malolactic fermentation took place in new barrels and wooden vats. The wine was then aged for approximately 14 months in oak barrels, 60% of which were new.

Technical sheet

• Producer: Clos des Jacobins

• Wine: Clos des Jacobins 2023

• Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

• Classification: Grand Cru Classé

• Vintage: 2023

• Grapes: 80% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

• Region: Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France

• Soil: Clay-limestone

• Harvest: Hand-picked

• Winemaking: Maceration, punch-downs and délestage; malolactic fermentation in new barrels and wooden vats

• Ageing: Approximately 14 months in oak barrels

• New oak: 60%

• Alcohol: Approximately 15% ABV

• Contains sulfites

In the glass

Colour
Deep ruby red with intense purple reflections.

Aroma
Blackberry, ripe plum and dark berry fruit, followed by spicy, cocoa, toasted and subtle balsamic notes. With bottle age, tobacco and woodland nuances may develop.

Palate
Broad, juicy and structured. Ripe fruit is supported by present yet well-integrated tannins and a refreshing backbone. Oak ageing adds depth and complexity while allowing the fruit character to remain at the centre. The finish is long and persistent. Tasting reports on the 2023 highlight its ripe fruit, tannic structure and ageing potential.

Food pairings

A natural match for rich meat dishes and structured cuisine.

• Entrecôte and premium beef

• Braised beef

• Roast beef

• Roast lamb

• Duck

• Game

• Wild boar

• Beef ragù

• Porcini mushrooms

• Mature hard cheeses

Serving temperature: 16–18 °C.