Clos des Fous 2017 Cauquenina 750ml

The red blend 2017 Cauquenina is approximately of 40% Carignan, 30% País, 20% Cinsault and 10% Carmenere, quite different from previous years and higher in Carignan and with a notable percentage of Cinsault. It fermented at low temperature and matured in concrete and 5,000-liter oak foudre for six months. There is a little more rusticity here, perhaps the higher percentage of Cariñena this year. There is also a smoky and spicy note reminiscent of the Chilean spice mix called merkén, with some notes of graphite too. It's medium-bodied and has some dusty tannins. 

Score: 91 points -- Luis Gutierrez, The Wine Advocate, 2021