Wines Bordeaux Clos du Clocher, Pomerol 2022 - 2022

Clos du Clocher 2022 from Pomerol is a fine example of a modern Bordeaux, elegantly expressing the character of its prestigious appellation. This red wine from the 2022 vintage is predominantly composed of Merlot, the signature grape of Pomerol, with smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and occasionally Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2022 vintage was marked by favourable weather, allowing full ripening of the grapes and delivering a wine with concentrated fruit, supple tannins, and impressive freshness. Vinification at Clos du Clocher is meticulous, combining traditional methods with careful modern stewardship: hand-harvested fruit, gentle extraction, and maturation in French oak barrels. This careful approach enhances the depth and complexity, with notes of ripe black cherries, plum, subtle violet, and hints of cocoa and spices.

Pomerol, located on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, enjoys a temperate maritime climate with sufficient warmth during the growing season, moderated by influences from the nearby Dordogne River. The soils here are renowned for their richness in clay, often mixed with gravel and sand. These unique blue clay subsoils are a key factor, endowing Pomerol Merlot wines with their famous plushness, velvety tannins, and remarkable ability to age. Although Pomerol does not have a classified growth system like some other Bordeaux regions, it has built its reputation through centuries of excellence, producing wines that are both opulent and refined.

Given its supple texture and aromatic complexity, Clos du Clocher 2022 pairs beautifully with classic French dishes such as duck breast with a cherry sauce, beef fillet with wild mushrooms, or a truffle-infused chicken. For a regional match, try it with a confit de canard or a Bordelaise sauce. Mature cheeses with a creamy character, such as Saint-Nectaire or Brie de Meaux, will also marry well with its rounded, generous palate.

For optimal enjoyment, decant this wine an hour before serving to allow its bouquet to open fully. Serve at a temperature between 16 and 18°C to best appreciate its layered aromas and silky structure. As a young Pomerol, it may already offer delightful pleasure now but will continue to evolve beautifully over the coming 8 to 12 years.