CLOS DU CLOCHER

The 2022 Clos du Clocher was picked on 7 September and matured in 55% new oak. This has a fragrant, pure bouquet with blueberry, cassis and violet scents. There's lovely definition here, and the oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with a velvety smooth entry. Concentrated but well-balanced, the gentle grip on the finish lingers in the mouth. This is a classy Pomerol from "JB" and his team. Drinking range: 2030 - 2065 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2023)

A stunning wine in 2022 showcasing star power in Pomerol and delivering one of the appellation’s clear successes. Beautifully fragrant on the nose, fresh and ripe black fruits, purple flowers, milk chocolate, salty stones and liquorice. Smooth, sumptuous and seductive in terms of texture - tannins are beautifully chalky and so well integrated - almost effortlessly supporting the concentrated fruit and giving the confident structure. Focussed and detailed but not tight or tense, really quite a special effort. Energy and mouthwatering acidity is in the background but it’s the texture that’s most captivating, velvety, chalky, ripe, fleshy and refined all at once. It manages to be understated in a year where it was easy to be anything but. I love it. 3.6pH. A yield of 39hl/ha. Harvest started on 7 September. Soft extraction with natural yeasts for fermentation. Ageing 55-60% oak barrels, 30% one wine barrels, and 7% in small concrete tanks and wine globes. Second year of organic conversion. Next year, 2024, Clos du Clocher will celebrate its 100 year anniversary having been founded by Jean-Baptiste Audy in 1924. Drinking range: 2028 - 2050 Rating: 97 Georgie Hindle - Decanter (May 2023)

As is often the case, the aromatic range is already expressively sensual with hints of violets and roasted pimento. But it is the palate that is the most remarkable for its intensity and coherent development in the mouth. The tannins are powerful and the texture dense, yet this remains free of anything angular or weighty. This is a wine that we look forward to observing its evolution in time. Rating: 94-97 La Revue du Vin de France (May 2023)