Clos du Clocher 2018

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 2018 Clos du Clocher, picked from 27 September until 5 October, was matured in 60% new oak. It has a classic Pomerol bouquet with blackberry and raspberry fruit laced with smoke and black truffle. The palate is quite intense, as you would expect, since the yield was 32hL/ha. Supple tannins, very saline in the mouth with a generous sprinkling of black pepper on the finish. This is an impressive Pomerol in the making with very good persistence. Superb." - Neal Martin, vinous.com, (November, 2019), Ratings: 93-95, Drink: 2023-2045

"A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Clos du Clocher springs from the glass with vibrant scents of crushed black cherries, fresh blackberries and mulberries plus suggestions of Indian spices, menthol and graphite. The medium to full-bodied palate is bright and energetic, packed with crunchy black fruits and framed by grainy tannins, finishing long and refreshing.'' Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, (4/22/2021), Rating: 93 Drink: 2023-2040

''Another outstanding Pomerol in the vintage, the 2018 Clos Du Clocher is impressive. Revealing a deep purple color as well as notes of ripe plum, black cherries, scorched earth, graphite, and cedary herbs, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a straight, focused texture, good balance, and outstanding length. It says focused and inward on the palate, but I suspect 4-5 years in the cellar will help open it up as well as let some of the tannins resolve. It's unquestionably an outstanding wine and it should have two decades of overall longevity.'' Jeb Dunnuck, 2018 Bordeaux From The Bottle (3/11/2021) Ratings: 91+ Drink: 2024-2041

''A Pomerol that has been gaining in form and reputation over the past few years, and this is a great vintage to get to know it if you haven't done so already. Plenty of big but juicy tannins that support the black cherry, cassis fruits without hiding their potential even at this stage, with layers of liqourice, cocoa bean and fresh mint as it opens up. Creamy texture, and flavours that refuse to budge for a good few minutes after the wine has left your mouth. Harvest 27 September until 5 October, natural yeast fermentation. 32hl/h yield, 60% new oak.'' Jane Anson, Best Pomerol 2020 Wines Tasted En Primeur (09/20/2021) Ratings: 94 Drink: 2026-2042