Clos du Clocher 2005

Clos du Clocher is a hidden gem in Pomerol.  It was first acquired in 1924 by Jean Baptiste Audy, a negociant in nearby Libourne.  In the decades that followed, the Audy family added more plots of land to their holdings.  The estate is currently managed by Jean Baptiste Audy’s descendant, Jean Baptiste Bourotte.

Pomerol is a tight-knit and compact village on the Right Bank.  The namesake appellation is the smallest in Bordeaux.  Unlike other appellations, there has been little chance for extension or expansion in Pomerol.  That is partly to explain why Pomerol produces some of Bordeaux’s most expensive wine (Pétrus, Le Pin, to name two).  It has a minuscule 800 hectares and 135 growers.  The village does not have a traditional center, nor any magnificent chateaux.  The only landmark is the church on the plateau.  Hence many estates in Pomerol are named with references to eglise (the church) and clocher (the bell tower).  Paradoxically, Pomerol produces some of Bordeaux's most expensive wine.

The highest quality plots are on the Pomerol plateau, a largely flat area 35-37 metres high in altitude.  The owner of Petrus, Moueix family, defines any land above 30 metres as “high plateau”, which is the most sought-after plots in Pomerol.  That is where Clos du Clocher’s largest plot is found.  It is located by the church, which is the center of the prime plateau of Pomerol.  Neighboring estates include Hosanna, Vieux Chateau Certan.  Clos du Clocher’s other sizeable land holding is located next to Château Trotanoy.

Blue clay, the prized soil known for its iron rich quality, is found on Clos du Clocher’s land.  It defines its terroir that is home to early ripening Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.  The majority of their vines are on average 25 years old, with some oldest vines 60 years old, dating back to 1957.  Everything is harvested by hand, and there is a very rigorous selection process.

Many Pomerol wines are made from early ripening merlot and approachable when young, Clos du Clocher almost always has 25% of Cabernet Franc in its wine, which requires more ageing in bottle before it can fully develop.  The resulting wine can age for 20 years or longer.

Considering its overall quality and potential, we believe Clos du Clocher is a rare find among Pomerol that is still undervalued.  For collectors who want to let the wine age, we recommend these vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020.

"Delivering prime Pomerol character, cocoa dusted black cherry fruits, olive pit, peony flowers and grilled patisserie. This was the moment that a buzz was beginning to build around Clos du Clocher, and you can see why, fully benefitting from a sunny and hot summer, without too many stresses through the growing season. You can enjoy this today, but there is zero question that if you come back in 20 or 30 years it will still be giving pleasure. The first vintage that current owner Jean Baptiste Bourotte was entirely responsible for, taking over from his father Pierre. 55% new oak for ageing." - Jane Anson, (06/20/2024), Ratings: 95, Drink: 2024-2042

"A little less Cabernet Franc than you tend to find in this wine today, but it still makes an impact. Beautiful juicy, touches of black cherry, butterscotch and smoked caramel, softens on the finish to blond tobacco, black pepper and white truffles. Very Pomerol, plenty of joy in this glass. Ready to drink but will hold for another decade at least. Harvest began September 14. Jean-Baptiste Audy had just come back to join the family estate at the time, working alongside his father." Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux (06/24/2022) Ratings: 93 Drink: 2022-2038

"The 2005 Clos du Clocher is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc from a beautifully situated vineyard near the appellation’s lovely church on the heavily clay-dominated plateau of Pomerol. This property produces less than 2,000 cases of wine. With a gorgeous concentration of mocha, coffee, chocolate, kirsch and blackcurrant, this stunning, full-bodied 2005 is soft, silky, opulent and luscious. This beautifully rich, heady Pomerol is certainly a star of the appellation in this vintage. Drink it over the next 10-15 years." Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate, (06/28/2015) Ratings: 93 Drink: 2015-2030

"Fully mature, with a touch of amber at the rim, the 2005 Clos Du Clocher offers a rock-solid bouquet of ripe, chocolaty dark fruits as well as plenty of tobacco, loamy earth, and spicy nuances. Rich, mouth-filling, full-bodied, and lush, this sexy, endearing and satisfying Pomerol is best enjoyed over the coming 7-8 years." Jeb Dunnuck, Up From The Cellar No. 20 (2/4/2023) Ratings: 92