Clos du Clocher, Pomerol 37.5cl Half Bottle

Clos du Clocher, a 4.3-hectare estate owned by Pierre Bourotte, comprises two parcels – 150 yards between each, 300 yards south of the church, in the heart of the Pomerol’s plateau, surrounded by the most famous growths of the appellation.

Robert Parker rates this lesser-known Pomerol – “For unknown reasons, this Pomerol estate remains under most consumers’ radar, but they have been fashioning strong efforts over recent vintages. The wine [exhibits] terrific fruit, a textured mouthfeel, and an impressive finish.” The soil is clayey-gravelly, with a iron pan layer, one of Pomerol’s most famous particularities. The grape varieties planted are – 80 % Merlot and 20 % Cabernet Franc and the age of the vineyard is 25 years old. The grapes are handpicked and are double sorted, once in the vineyard and once at the winery. Winemaking is traditional, in cement thermoregulated vats. After a rough 4-week-vatting time, malolactic fermentation takes place in oak barrels, and / or vats, depending on the parcels and the vintages. Blending is overseen by Christian Veyry in collaboration with the oenologist Michel Rolland, before an ageing of 18 to 20 months in french oak barrrels half of which is renewed every year. A meaty, complex, silky and elegant wine with intense aromas of ripe red fruits (raspberries, plums), coffee and smoke and superb woody tannins. Layers of violet and truffle. The wine is very well-balanced.