We have secured an allocation of an exceptional estate that lies within the central Pomerol plateau between Chateau Le Pin, Chateau Nenin and Chateau Trotanoy and within shouting distance of Vieux Chateau Certan, a wine that looks to us like one of the great value highlights of the region.
This chateau remains the property of the Clauzel family, until recently the well known owners of Chateau Beauregard. When Mr. Clauzel Snr passed away his beloved Chateau Beauregard was sold and his widow moved to Paris. However, the family retained the ownership Guillot Clauzel a typically tiny 1.7 hectare property, allowing the esteemed Dominic Thienpoint of Vieux Chateau Certan to manage their winemaking and commercial interests.
An exceptional terroir is key to understanding the calibre and potential of Chateau Guillot Clauzel. Specifically the vines grow on parcels of soil almost identical to that of Le Pin (although the regional fault-line reportedly adds a little more clay to the mix). And of these 1.7 hectares only 1 hectare becomes the Chateau Guillot Clauzel Grand Vin itself. Dominic Thienpoint employs renowned Right-bank winemaker, oenologist and expert viticulturist Francois Despagne to manage the day-to-day work in the winery. In 2004 he blended 15% of Cabernet with 85% Merlot (everything handpicked) and allowed 16 months barrel age before proceeding with bottling. The tiny nature of the vineyard limits his production to just 14 barrels, 8 of which are brand new, 6 one year old - Guillot Clauzel is a genuine Garagiste wine.
Stylistically this wine is a junior version of Le Pin – and fortunately it is available at a whisker of the price. The structure is feminine, almost Burgundian in some respects, whilst flavours are driven by deep red fruits, hints of toasty oak and leather with an impressive long finish. Classically styled, Ch Guillot Clauzel is age-worthy and will mature well in bottle for up 10 more years.
This is a property which looks set to do great things…with the immediate appeal that the Thienpoint’s experience in Pomerol guaranteeing ongoing success and making this a definite property to watch in the future.