Clos du Clocher 2010

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.

"The richness of the texture is clear visually, and it delivers fully on the palate. There is more tannic weight than in the 2009, but the power and concentration are measured, and balanced by fresh acidity. Layers of girotte cherry, liqourice, olive tapenade, violets and graphite, great quality. 45hl/h yield, 65% new oak for ageing. Late budding, late flowering year, not easy fruit set for the Merlot, before the weather turned to a beautiful summer and a long slow harvest. Cécile Dupuis technical director. Jean-Baptiste Bourotte owner." - Jane Anson, (06/20/2024), Ratings: 96, Drink: 2024-2045

"Tasted from a sample in the UK, the Clos du Clocher has an exuberant, forward, quite ravishing bouquet my aligned to 2009 than 2010. The palate is quite precocious with macerated dark cherries and cassis. It has a sweet core of fruit that is Saint Emilion in style, leading to a noticeably sweet finish where I am seeking more reserve. Hopefully this will calm down with bottle age. Tasted November 2012." - Neal Martin, Vinous, (02/15/2013), Ratings: 92