Clos du Clocher 2022

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 2022 Clos Du Clocher is a stunning effort, offering red and black fruits, iron, graphite, leafy herbs, and floral violet notes. Full-bodied and concentrated, it has a gorgeous mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and remarkable balance. Seamless and elegant, with very fine tannins, it’s one of the best examples I’ve tasted from this estate, which lies on the upper plateau, in the heart of the appellation, just beside the church. It will have 30 years of longevity." - Jeb Dunnuck, (02/27/2025), Ratings: 97, Drink: 2025-2055

"Generously textured, this is softly chewy, plush, chalky and grippy – the ripe, concentrated blackcurrants and cherries really fill the mouth, while the tannins provide the firm yet wide frame. Great finesse and detail on show, persistent and energetic with layers of freshness and finishing with a cool mint and liquorice tang. Lovely integration of wood – almost no overt oak spice or sense of alcohol. Definitely deserves its place as one of the best 2022 Pomerols" - Georgina Hindle, Decanter, (03/07/2025), Ratings: 97

"Helped by old vine Cabernet Franc that dates back to 1957, this is full of wonderfully dark damson fruits, shot thorugh with mint leaf cooling complexity. Velvety tannins, crushed rose petals, supple and enticing. This is a brilliant wine, really pulls away from many in the appellation. The tannins are very much present right at the front of the palate, and then they form an arch, that allows the fruit underneath. Natural yeasts, very little oxygen, low sulphur additions, a wine for the ages. Once again Clos du Clocher shows why it deserves to be at the top table in Pomerol. 60% new barrels, 30% one year old barrels, 10% small vats (glass and concrete). Organic conversion. 2024 will be 100 years in the family, so this is 98th anniversary." - Jane Anson, Bordeaux Insider, (04/14/2023), Ratings: 97, Drink: 2030-2048

"The 2022 Clos du Clocher is superb. In fact, the 2022 is one of the best vintages of this wine I have tasted. Pliant and deep, the 2022 is all finesse. Dark red cherry, mocha, new leather, spice and licorice all meld together. The 2022 is substantial but not at all overdone." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (01/28/2025), Ratings: 95