Peter Maude Fine Wines

2020, Château Guillot Clauzel, POMEROL

$190

Bordeax Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc.

The 2020 Guillot Clauzel has come together beautifully since I tasted it en primeur. Most notably, the oak (50% new) has integrated very nicely, even better than I expected to be honest. Spice, pepper, graphite and scorched earth lend an exotic, deep quality to the aromatic profile that is quite intriguing. As always, Guillot Clauzel has a certain nerviness in its tannin that makes it a Pomerol more of structure than of seductive charm. Even so, the 2020 is quite impressive. Hints of spice, cedar and tobacco linger on the savoury finish. 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

The 2020 Guillot Clauzel is overseen by Guillaume Thienpont of Vieux-Château-Certan. Picked September 15–28 and matured in 50% new oak, it has quite a lush black cherry, raspberry coulis and black truffle bouquet that unfurls in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and very well-integrated oak. This Pomerol has lovely balance; it’s not powerful and ostentatious, but refined. There’s a judicious sprinkling of black pepper toward the finish. This is well worth seeking out. 91-93 Neal Martin, Vinous.

A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Guillot Clauzel has turned out beautifully. Wafting from the glass with aromas of dark cherries, plums and liquorice, it's medium to full-bodied, elegantly layered and fleshy, with a vibrant core of fruit, polished tannins and a penetrating finish. As readers will remember, this 2.5-hectare estate has been managed by Vieux Château Certan's Guillaume Thienpont since 2018. 94 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

Composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Guillot Clauzel has an alcohol of 14.5% and a pH of 3.72. It is aging in French oak barriques, 50% new. Opaque purple-black coloured, it bursts from the glass with bold, opulent scents of crushed black cherries, warm black plums and violets, giving way to hints of raspberry leaves, Sichuan pepper and anise. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of ripe, rich, decadent black fruits with loads of red fruit and floral sparks and a backbone of velvety tannins, with great tension to boot, finishing long and spicy. The consultant winemaker here is Guillaume Thienpont (of Vieux Chateau Certan), and he is doing an amazing job of breathing fresh life into this promising Pomerol site! 93-95 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate.

This has a ton of perfume and charm, so much juice and Pomerol appeal. Plenty of chocolate and autumnal berry fruit a sappy if austere finish. An enjoyable, appealing and heartfelt Pomerol, really one to recommend and to track down. Third vintage with Guillaume Thienpont as consultant and viticulturist, a little less Cabernet Franc this year due to a low 30hl/ha yield. 93 Jane Anson, Decanter.

Drinking Window: 2027 - 2040

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