2019, Château Guillot Clauzel, POMEROL

The 2019 Guillot Clauzel is every bit as compelling as it was from barrel. Rich fruit and racy contours show the exuberance of the warm summer and yet persistent mineral-drive, savoury undertones add distinctive character. It's the sort of wine that needs a few years in bottle to fully blossom. Vibrant dark fruit, dried rose petal, liquorice and menthol build into the potent finish. This is the second vintage made under the direction of Guillaume Thienpont. The future certainly looks bright here. 93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2022).

This wine is now being made by Guillaume Thienpont, from Vieux Chateau Certan. The blend this year is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, harvested between the 23rd of September and 4th of October. The alcohol came in at 14.4% and the pH is 3.7. It is being aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. Deep garnet-purple coloured, the 2019 Guillot Clauzel bursts from the glass with flamboyant notes of plum preserves, baked black cherries and mulberries with hints of dark chocolate, liquorice and black peppercorns plus a waft of smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers open-knit, black fruit flavours with plush tannins and compelling freshness, finishing long and juicy. Clearly, this is a property on an upward trend and one to watch! 92-94 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (2020).

This has clear mid palate expansion and gentle sweet berry fruits with layers and precision. Extremely Pomerol, a lovely wine. 50% new oak. Second year with Guillaume Thienpont overseeing the vineyard. 92 Jane Anson, Decanter (2020).

A lovely punch of dark fruits with acidity that is fresh, sappy and juicy but it's the texture, weight and frame that is so captivating. It's a dark style with a deep liquorice core but generous, mouth-filling and all in balance. Defined with Pomerol style and a cooling freshness and menthol, mineral finish. Guillaume Thienpont oversees the vineyard. 94 Georgina Hindle, Decanter (2022).

Drinking Window: 2027 - 2039