Clos du Clocher 2016

Clos du Clocher 2016 : a Pomerol with character

A red wine produced in the Pomerol appellation, Clos du Clocher benefits from a vineyard aged 33 years on average, spread over a total area of 5.90 hectares, planted on clayey-silty soil upon subsoils of blue clays and deep gravel. The wine is aged in oak barrels, of which 65% are new barrels, for 18 months. The Clos du Clocher 2016 blends 79% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc.

The summer of 2016 was extremely hot, dry and sunny, with only 17mm of rain throughout all of July and August. Finally, the Indian summer, with significant thermal amplitudes in September, made possible ideal grape ripening before the harvest, which took place between the 10^th and 17^th of October.

The Clos du Clocher 2016 is robust and rather subtle in aromas in its youth, before becoming more original and stronger in character as it matures. The nose first reveals aromas of black fruits (blackberries), flowers (violets) and truffles - in the purest expression of Pomerol Merlot - before offering subtle spicy, menthol and toasted notes (tobacco). The Cabernet Franc allows the Clos du Clocher 2016 to be fresh and subtle. This wine should be aged to allow it to reach its magnificent potential.

Wine Advocate-Parker :
The 2016 Clos du Clocher is a blend of 79% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc, picked 10-17 October at 44 hectoliters per hectare and matured in 65% new oak. This includes some vinification intégrale. It has a very clean and precise bouquet with pure blackberry, raspberry and cold stone aromas, the oak beautifully integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, with an edginess from start to finish, and saline vein that becomes more evident towards the finish. I love the focus, the intent of this Clos du Clocher, never compromising one iota of finesse from start to finish. Being located smack bang on the plateau has really yielded dividends for this Pomerol and it should age with style over 20, maybe 30 years.