Château GUILLOT CLAUZEL 2020

Description

Lisa Perrotti-Brown 93-95 points www.erobertparker.com
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!

Neal Martin 91-93 points www.vinous.com
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.

Jane Anson 93 points  www.decanter.com (at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)
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. Drinking Window 2024 – 2038

Antonio Galloni 92-94 points www.vinous.com
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.