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.

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.

This is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the latter mostly old vines aged more than 60 years. The vineyards are managed organically, with certification coming in 2024 after the completion of the conversion period, and in the cellar less use of sulphites, and the introduction of a small percentage of wine globes for the élevage to hold on to the fruit. A beautifully dark and scented nose of blackberry, currant and rosehips opens with promise. The texture on the palate is just gorgeous, showing a voluptuous character, with saline damson, black cherry, blackberry, dark roses and currants wrapped up in fine tannins and fresh acidity. A brilliant composition, rich in tannic structure although it works well within the wine, with a warm structure and fresh tannins. A brilliant Clos du Clocher which I am sure will still be drinking well fifty years from now. The alcohol on the label is 14.5%. (CK)