Clos du Clocher

Clos du Clocher is a hidden gem in Pomerol. It was first acquired in 1924 by Jean Baptiste Audy, a negociant in nearby Libourne. In the decades that followed, the Audy family added more plots of land to their holdings. The estate is currently managed by Jean Baptiste Audy’s descendant, Jean Baptiste Bourotte. Jean-Baptiste Audy is family-run négociant firm based in Libourne and owner of a number of châteaux estates across Bordeaux's Right Bank (the appellations on the right bank of the Dordogne river), including properties in Pomerol, Lussac-Saint-Émilion and Lalande de Pomerol.

The company is perhaps best known for its ownership of wine estates in nearby appellations. These include: Clos de Clocher, Chateau Bonalgue, Chateau Monregard La Croix, Chateau du Courlat and Chateau Les Hauts-Conseillants.

Clos du Clocher’s other sizeable land holding is located next to Château Trotanoy. Blue clay, the prized soil known for its iron rich quality, is found on Clos du Clocher’s land. It defines its terroir that is home to early ripening Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The majority of their vines are on average 25 years old, with some oldest vines 60 years old, dating back to 1957. Everything is harvested by hand, and there is a very rigorous selection process. Many Pomerol wines are made from early ripening merlot and approachable when young, Clos du Clocher almost always has 25% of Cabernet Franc in its wine, which requires more ageing in bottle before it can fully develop. The resulting wine can age for 20 years or longer.