Guillot Clauzel 2020

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 savory finish.

Score: 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2027-2040 Date: 23 February 2023

The 2020 Guillot-Clauzel is impressive. Inky and voluptuous, it’s a seriously intense, concentrated Pomerol. Blackberry jam, dried herbs, chocolate, licorice and dark spice are all kicked up a few notches. The 2020 has quite a bit of textural opulence that is the signature of a warm, dry summer. A strong oak imprint needs to fully meld into the wine. It will be interesting to see how things turn out in another 18 months or so. Guillaume Thienpont continues to do compelling work at this small estate.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2028 - 2040 Date: 03 June 2021

The 2020 Guillot-Clauzet 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.

Score: 91 - 93 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2025 - 2040 Date: 27 May 2021

The deep ruby/purple-hued 2020 Château Guillot-Clauzel has a classy, textbook Pomerol perfume of ripe red and blue fruits, leafy herbs, sappy spring flowers, and chocolate. With medium to full-bodied richness, it has a wonderful sense of elegance, polished tannins, and the depth as well as purity that's common from this appellation in 2020. This is one sexy Pomerol to drink on release and over the following 15+ years.

Score: 91 - 93 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 25 May 2021

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 colored, 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!

Score: 93 - 95 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2025 - 2045 Date: 21 May 2021

85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Property managed by Guillaume Thienpont of Vieux Château Certan. Cask sample. Deep colour. Floral aromatics. Sweet attack then fine fruit and tannins. Smooth texture. Very precise. Slight glow on the finish but lots of charm. (JL)

Score: 16+ Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Date: 08 May 2021