A Hidden Gem in Pomerol - Clos du Clocher

A year ago, I worked with my local Newport Beach chapter of La Chaïne de Rotisseurs to present a dinner prepared by our local Michelin-starred chef, Craig Strong, featuring the wine from Clos du Clocher. 

Most of the gourmet in attendance had never heard of the wine before.  That was no surprise.  Clos du Clocher, in my view, is one of the best hidden value hailing from Pomerol, the smallest village in the Bordeaux area.

Here's what I told the audience at dinner:

"Imagine you decide to take a walk in the center of Pomerol plateau, to really get a feel for the land. Starting at Château Trotanoy, in less than 5 minutes, you would pass Le Pin.  Another 5 minutes, you walk past Clos du Clocher.  Make a left turn, in 9 minutes, you reach Vieux Château Certan. Another 10 minutes, you reach Château Pétrus.  Along the way, you will see Château Beauregard, Petit Village, La Conseillante, L'Évangile on your right.  Further in the distance on your left, you will see Château La Fleur-Pétrus. Talk about a walk among legends!"  

 To understand why Clos du Clocher is so unique, we have to look at where its vines are growing on the plateau of Pomerol.  This map shows in color red the plots where Clos du Clocher has its vines located, sharing one of the best terroir with luminous neighbors whose names don't require introduction.

This year, both the Wine Advocate and Vinous critics have awarded 95 points to the 2019 vintage of Clos du Clocher.  It is now ranked #12 among the Top 20 Pomerol wines.  This gem (with its 2019 futures price under $50) will not remain hidden for long.  It's time for a true wine lover to make the acquaintance.