Clos du Clocher 2019

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.

"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Clos du Clocher needs a little coaxing to reveal subtle scents of black raspberries, kirsch and wild blueberries, before a drop-dead gorgeous perfume of candied violets, cinnamon stick, clove oil, Darjeeling tea and star anise take center stage. The medium to full-bodied palate is very finely knit, with ripe, plush tannins and seamless freshness supporting the elegant flavors, finishing long and fragrant." Lisa Perotti-Brown, June 2020 Week 3: The Wine Advocate (06/17/2020) Rating: 93-95 

''Less exuberant than 2018, this has a touch of smoky reduction at first, and shows great structure and concentration. Plump cassis and blueberry fruits, grilled black pepper spice, anise, fennel and a touch of oyster shell through the palate. Mint leaf freshness on the finish, and an uncurling of peony flowers. Harvest 20 September to October 5, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in 60% new oak (brought down from 70% in 2018), 40% one year old (with a small trial of a glass wine globe). Bottled in May 2021.'' Jane Anson, Best Pomerol 2020 Wines Tasted En Primeur, (11/03/2021) Ratings: 94 Drink: 2026-2044

''From a five-hectare vineyard on the plateau of Pomerol that's predominantly planted with old-vine Merlot (plus some Cabernet Franc from near Trotanoy), the 2019 Clos du Clocher exhibits aromas of cherries, berries and cassis mingled with hints of warm spices, licorice and creamy new oak. Full-bodied, velvety and layered, it's lively and concentrated, with a deep core of fruit and plenty of ripe tannin. This is a fine effort that should reward a bit of bottle age.'' William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, (4/07/2022) Ratings: 93+ Drink: 2025-2045 

"A classy, slightly restrained, yet impressive effort, the 2019 Clos Du Clocher is deep purple/ruby-hued, with wonderful cassis fruits, notes of sappy herbs, flowers, and cedar, medium to full body, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. The cellar will be your friend on this one, and I'd hide bottles for a good 5-6 years if possible. It will have 20-25 years of overall longevity." Jeb Dunnuck (4/11/2022) Rating: 92+, Drink: 2027-2047