Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 Clos Vieux Taillefer waltzes out of the glass with compelling scents of stewed black cherries, crushed blueberries and boysenberries, plus suggestions of iron ore, fertile loam and candied violets. The medium-bodied palate is beautifully soft and juicy fruited, delivering great tension and purity, finishing on a peppery note.

Deep purple-black in color, the 2019 Clos Vieux Taillefer is scented of baked plums, blueberry compote and hoisin with hints of stewed black cherries, Marmite toast, Indian spices and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, the rich, spicy fruit has soft tannins and a lively line of freshness, giving lift to the exotic spice-laced finish.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Clos Vieux Taillefer gives up cedar chest and pencil shavings to begin over a core of baked blackberries, Black Forest cake and dusty soil plus a waft of wild thyme. Medium to full-bodied, firm and chewy in the mouth, it has just enough fruit and soft acid, finishing with an herbal lift.

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Clos Vieux Taillefer delivers notions of baked red and black plums, blackberry compote and mulberries with touches of beef drippings, black olives and Indian spices. Full, firm and chewy in the mouth, it fills the palate with black fruit preserves, finishing with an herbal lift.

The Clos Vieux Taillefer 2014 felt a little fiery and slightly volatile on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth but it feels cloying and one-dimensional on the finish. This is disappointing in the context of the vintage.