Guillot Clauzel 2021 (750ML)

93 AG / 93 WA / 92-93 JS / 92 VM

The 2021 Guillot-Clauzel turned out beautifully. It shows terrific depth and tons of character, with no hard edges and fine balance. The oak, once an issue here, is impeccably integrated, but the 2021 also has surprising complexity. Black cherry, plum, lavender, licorice and spice fill out the layers. Guillot-Clauzel remains a rather stocky Pomerol, but the progress here in recent years has been remarkable. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Bottled without fining, the 2021 Guillot Clauzel offers up aromas of blackberries and cherries mingled with hints of mint, pencil shavings and orange zest. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with a generous core of pure, succulent fruit that's framed by melting tannins, it concludes with a long, saline finish. Produced by Guilluame Thienpont, it's a blend of 20% Cabernet Franc and 80% Merlot.- William Kelley, Wine Advocate

A polished and refined wine with lovely sweetness of fruit in the center-palate for the vintage. Medium body. Juicy fruit. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. - James Suckling

The 2021 Guillot-Clauzel comes from the two hectares picked September 27 to October 6 and matured in 50% new oak. Like the VCC, the Cabernet Franc comes through quite strongly on the nose, with touches of gravel and loam and hints of blue fruit emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied and finely defined with sappy black fruit laced with licorice, building toward a structured finish and leaving a long, peppery aftertaste. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

This wine from this tiny estate in the heart of Pomerol is now made by Guillaume Thienpont, who more famously makes wine at his family's estate–-Vieux Château Certan–-with his father Alexandre. The 2021 Guillot Clauzel is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it has a very earthy nose of black truffles, tilled soil, and tar, giving way to a core of plum preserves and kirsch, plus suggestions of garrigue and tree bark. The medium-bodied palate delivers chunky tannins and a good amount of black fruits, with an earthy undercurrent and peppery note on the finish. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent