Dear <<First Name>>,
There has been a subtle change in the product marketing by some producers in France and we are very excited by it! ..
Special edition mixed or vertical presentation cases and we are seeing more and more of them.
These beautifully presented cases not only look stunning, mostly in embossed wooden boxes with special notes, they offer an excellent way to either drink a range of wines side-by-side or have an ultimate vertical tasting over an equally exceptional meal with fellow wines lovers.
Following on from the recently successful Bouchard Pere et Fils and Domaine William Fevre 'Journey through cases' where we explored either Beaune 1er Cru's, Meursault 1er Cru's or Chablis Primeur and Grand Cru's, we now have a splendid selection of vertical tasting cases from Clos du Clocher in Pomerol.
Thanks in part to our strong relationship with Jean-Baptiste Audy we have this special opportunity to provide these unique vertical tasting cases from Clos du Clocher, with a selection of vintages back to 2004.
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Pomerol is the smallest of the fine wine appellations in Bordeaux but punches well above its weight given the size. Producing only Red wines, on the right bank of the Gironde, it is responsible for some of the most expensive and sought after wines in the world like Petrus, Château Lafleur and Le Pin to name but a few.
The most prevalent grape variety in the region is Merlot (c.80%) which works superbly with the 'terroir' of gravel, sand and clay 'marl'.
Jean-Baptiste Audy has been operating this 5.9 ha site since 1924 and is considered one of the better value producers in the region but not lacking in quality. Certainly critical scores in recent years reflect the incredible work being done in the vineyards and the winery. The 2018 Vintage has recently been awarded 94 pts from Jane Anson at Decanter and the 2016 also scored 94 pts from Lisa Perrotti-Brown the Bordeaux expert at Wine Advocate.
Clos du Clocher is typically a blend of Merlot (c.70%) and Cabernet Franc (c.30%), depending on the vintage. We have used critical analysis from Neal Martin who wrote a book on Pomerol wines and is one of the leading authorities on wines from the region.
These 3 mixed vertical tasting cases are an excellent way of experiencing the evolution of the wine across a number of different vintages. The wine comes in a lovely wooden presentation box, with each bottle quality checked by Clos du Clocher themselves.
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Neal Martin (Vinous.com) - 2017 Vintage
"I always conduct a small tasting with Jean-Baptiste Bourotte at Clos du Clocher on the fringe of Catusseau. Not only does he oversee his own Pomerol crus, but also runs the négociant J-B Audy, which gives him a fresh perspective on the market for Bordeaux in general. Clos du Clocher is a Pomerol cru that enjoys a central location on the plateau and over the last decade has yielded some exemplary wines that deserve a higher reputation. The 2017 Clos du Clocher is another fine wine in the making that might well offer great value vis-à-vis its peers. It does not possess great flair or profundity and perhaps that is why its name is rarely uttered in the same breath as say, Vieux Château Certan or Clinet, yet from experience (to wit, a fabulous 2009 Clos du Clocher poured later that day), it does really blossom with bottle age."
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Clos du Clocher (Jean-Baptiste Audy)
Merlot 70%, Cabernet Franc 30%
Clos du Clocher is one-of-a-kind, an insider’s wine that rewards those who look for originality and personality in their wines. Of course it has power and a naturally rich mouth-feel but equally evident is minerality and elegance. The discretion, almost rigour, of the aromas when very young (2-5 years) and on the first opening of the bottle, is swiftly replaced by an immense complexity: black fruits and the violet flowers of Merlot (6-10 years), but also spices, mint, tobacco (12-20 years) and the striking freshness from the Cabernet Franc that makes this wine timeless.
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These special vertical tasting cases, containing up to 6 vintages from Clos du Clocher (ex-Chateau release), are truly exceptional and is not too be missed by Bordeaux wine lovers.
Case 1
1 x 6 (OWC) Château Pontet-Canet @ £240/6 (IB)
(contains 1 x 75cl of the following 2004, 2006, 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2018)
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Case 2
1 x 6 (OWC) Château Pontet-Canet @ £249/6 (IB)
(contains 2 x 75cl of the following 2004, 2006, and 2012)
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Case 3
1 x 6 (OWC) Château Pontet-Canet @ £255/6 (IB)
(contains 2 x 75cl of the following 2016, 2017 and 2018)
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Detailed tasting notes for each vintage can be found below mostly by Neal Martin for consistency but some vintages do score slightly higher from other critics. Neal was at Wine Advocate for a number of years and now writes for Vinous.com owned by Antonio Galloni. Antonio is also a big fan of this wine and awarded a solid 93 pts for the 2018 vintage and proclaimed "The 2018 Clos du Clocher is even more impressive from bottle" .. "an inviting Pomerol shows off its seductive personality. There's a lot to like here."
For those tempted by any of these excellent mixed vertical tasting cases, please let me know soonest to avoid disappointment.
If you would prefer a slightly different vertical, in a case of 6, please give us a call.
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2004 - Neal Martin (Wine Advocate) 88 pts
"Tasted at Chateau Bonalgue with the proprietor at a private Clos du Clocher vertical. This has a very fine, very precise bouquet, perhaps more so than any Clos du Clocher thus far. Crisp red strawberry, redcurrant and a touch of crushed stone. There is a little coarseness on the entry, but there is ample freshness that leads to a foursquare, clove-tinged finish that does not have the bones to last a long-time, but would partner dinner with aplomb now. This is fine for the vintage."
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2006 - Neal Martin (Wine Advocate) 92 pts
"Tasted at Chateau Bonalgue with the proprietor at a private Clos du Clocher vertical. The nose is lovely: very well defined with redcurrant, fresh strawberry, a touch of truffle and crushed stone: elegant with fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, quite masculine with a firm backbone, yet married with far greater precision and focus on the finish. There seems to be less effort making a very fine Pomerol. Excellent."
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2012 - Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 92 pts
"There is always speculation that this great terroir belonging to the Audy family could do even better, but this 2012, a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, achieved a rather remarkable 14.5% natural alcohol. Inky ruby/purple, the wine offers up notes of licorice, damp earth, blue and black fruits, high levels of glycerin and opulence, and a full-bodied mouthfeel. This wine is impressive, and may be one of the Clos du Clocher cuvées that lives up to its great terroir and potential. It is a beauty and still somewhat under the radar. Drink it over the next 15-20 years."
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2016 - Neal Martin (Vinous.com) 93 pts
"The 2016 Clos du Clocher has a rich, opulent bouquet with layers of macerated small black cherries, crème de cassis and violet aromas. There is brightness and vivacity here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, finely judged acidity, a slightly lactic texture and flecks of dark chocolate toward the finish, which fans out nicely. This will need time, but it is very promising. A composed and refined Pomerol from Jean-Baptiste Bourotte."
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2017 - Neal Martin (Vinous.com) 92 pts
"The 2017 Clos du Clocher has a very attractive bouquet with truffle-infused black fruit, hints of pressed iris flower emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and fine depth. A linear, almost gravelly finish with tobacco on the aftertaste. I admire the cohesion and persistence of this Clos du Clocher that should age with style."
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2018 - Neal Martin (Vinous.com) 92 pts
"The 2018 Clos du Clocher has a very pure and seductive bouquet of that blackberry and raspberry fruit that I picked out from barrel, but now with more floral elements: iris and touches of violet. The oak here is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with layers of blackberry and bilberry. This has a fine spine that lends it focus. Not overly powerful, but the salinity washes over the finish and urges you back for another sip. Jean-Baptiste Bourotte has overseen an excellent Pomerol meriting 2–5 years in the cellar."
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All prices are 'In Bond' and exclude, duty, VAT & delivery and subject to availability and confirmation.
Delivery is expected in late spring of 2021, direct from the Château
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