Clos du Clocher 2023
SKU: 1204-2023
Size: Bottle (750 ml)
Other Vintages We Offer:
• Domaine: Clos du Clocher
• Appellation: Pomerol
• Origin: Right Bank • Bordeaux • France
• Varietal: Cabernet Franc - Merlot
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.
“A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, Clos du Clocher 2023 has a pH of 3.57. It was harvested in three passes, between the 5th of September and the 3rd of October. It has a deep garnet-purple color and after a couple of swirls the nose bursts with flamboyant scents of roses and violets, giving way to a core of wild blueberries and juicy plums, plus hints of underbrush and iron ore. The medium-bodied palate is densely laden with bright black and blue fruit layers, supported by firm, fine-grained tannins and beautifully knit freshness, finishing long and perfumed” - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate (May 2024), 93-95/100
“An aromatic, cocooning Pomerol, showing density without weight, and a controlled release of cocoa bean, pomegranate, slate, cassis, blueberry, squid ink, soy, liqourice root, with a mouthwatering finish. Well located vineyard on the plateau near to the Pomerol church, with old vine Cabernet Franc that dates back to 1957, and older 1930s vines used for massal selection. On its final year of organic certification, using natural yeasts, low sulphur additions and wine globes for ageing along with 55% new oak barrels. Mathieu Bonté technical director, Jean-Baptiste Bourotte owner. Harvest September 5 to October 3, 3.57ph.” - Jane Anson, Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux (April 2024), 96/100, Drink 2029–2048
“Beautiful cool blueberry and purple floral scents on the nose - violets and roses but then changes to more red fruits after a few minutes. Extremely aromatic and open, expressive and forward. Quite ripe, this has that Pomerol opulence in terms of ripe fruit notes. Smooth and supple, bright and lively, so clean and pure. Tangy and vibrant, lots of really bright red fruits, cranberries and red cherries. Underlying power with a firm backbone that keeps the direction and sense of push from start to finish. Refined for sure, there’s no overt chew but this does have depth. There’s not the richness of 2023, but this has focus and a precise fruit profile with an enjoyable saline finish. Feels classy and sophisticated. Still has a lot of density though, the fruit is ripe, the tannins are supportive and the acidity is great ending long and cool. A great Clos du Clocher. Harvest September 5 - October 3. 85 IPT. 3.58pH. Ageing 55% new barrels with 10% small concrete vats and wine globes. A yield of 40hl/ha.” - Georgina Hindle, Decanter, 96/100
| LWIN | 1008300 |
|---|---|
| Stock Status | Pre-Arrival |
| Appellation | Pomerol |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Brand | Clos du Clocher |
| Shipping Weight | 3.000000 |
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