Winemaker and Vineyard: Clos des Jacobins owes its name to the Benedictine preaching monks who were baptized Jacobins in reference to Saint-Jacques, the patron saint of the Parisian convent of the order. Located at the entrance to the medieval city of Saint-Emilion, the vineyard enjoys a unique terroir due to its southern exposure and soil rich in limestone scree mixed with clay. The vineyard, consisting of a single plot around the cellars, has been in place since the 17th century and has recently benefited from a complete renovation of its cellars and thermo-regulated wooden vats.

Tasting: The 2014 Clos des Jacobins has a rather disjointed bouquet compared to its peers, with strong peat-like undergrowth aromas that obstruct the black and red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, blackcurrant pastilles mixed with licorces and sea salt. It is trying to juggle too many things at once to impress, a Saint Emilion that if simpler would have worked better. Plus, it falls away too quickly on the finish. robertparker.com (03.31.2017)

Service: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany a grapefruit duck breast.