Clos du Clocher 2023

70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, thriving on blue clay; dark fruit, clear and pure like a mountain stream, goosebumps, violets, roses, linden blossom, saffron; on the palate fruity, precise, with a slightly crunchy fruit, finely chiselled tannins, everything in its place, plenty of power and density, yet as light-footed as a ballerina; outstanding length. A magnificent Clos du Clocher that will age beautifully.

Beautiful cool blueberry and purple floral scents on the nose – violets and roses – then shifting to red fruits after a few minutes. Extremely aromatic and open, expressive and forward. Quite ripe, showing 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 drive from start to finish. Refined for sure, there’s no overt chew but it does have depth. It doesn’t have the richness of 2023, but it has focus and a precise fruit profile with an enjoyable saline finish. Feels classy and sophisticated. Still plenty 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. pH 3.58. Ageing: 55% new barrels with 10% small concrete vats and wine globes. Yield of 40 hl/ha.

A plush but restrained and complex red showing excellent ripeness. Fine spices, cocoa powder, iodine, blackberries and dark plums on the nose. Almost full-bodied but still agile, with seamless tannins and a very long finish. Firm yet powdery, with juicy and al-dente fruit. 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc. Already approachable, but can age.

The 2023 Clos du Clocher is quite the powerhouse. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, licorice, incense and chocolate stain the palate. There's no shortage of intensity here; that much is evident. Broad tannins give Clos du Clocher a rather ample textural feel.

Plum, truffle, flowers, chocolate, licorice, and show readily in the nose. The soft, creamy palate is packed with sweet, ripe, vibrant, black cherries, blue fruit, and licorice, accompanied by dark chocolate and espresso, adding richness on the palate and in the finish. The wine is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2028-2045.

An aromatic, cocooning Pomerol, showing density without weight, with a controlled release of cocoa bean, pomegranate, slate, cassis, blueberry, squid ink, soy, liquorice root, and a mouthwatering finish. Well-located vineyard on the plateau near the Pomerol church, with old-vine Cabernet Franc dating back to 1957, and 1930s vines used for massal selection. In 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, pH 3.57.

Score: 92–94. Violet and peony, delightful small red fruits; the nose is enchanting, delicately spiced and lifted by a few notes of blood orange. Structured on the palate thanks to a fresh, velvety framework. Finish still a little short, but tasty, saline and mouthwatering.

Soft and generous in feel, with a gush of dark cherry and blackberry compote backed by singed black tea and dried anise on the finish. A subtle echo of cold cast iron at the tail end keeps this honest. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2038. 1,600 cases made, 63 cases imported.