Clos Rene 2021 Pomerol 《Terroir Collection - TF1164A》

Region : Pomerol

Grapes : Merlot , Cabernet Franc

Alcohol : 12.5%

Winemaker : Denis Durantou

🌟 aged in 25% new, French oak barrels for an average of 18 months

🏅 James Suckling 91 pts

🏅 Vinous 93 pts

🏅 Wine Advocate 89pts

🏅 Vivino 4.1

History

Clos Rene is one of the older estates in Pomerol, dating back to the mid 18th century. At the time of its birth in 1734, it went under the name of Reney. The original chateau pictured on the label was constructed in 1880.

At some point in the early 1940’s, Clos Rene was managed and co owned by Pierre Lasserre. Pierre Lasserre was at the time in charge of managing the property for the Durantou family that would become Chateau LEglise Clinet.

Today, Clos Rene is owned by both the Garde family and the Lasserre family. Clos Rene was one of the last producers in Pomerol to bottle their own production. It was the normal practice during the early part of the 20th century for chateaux to deliver their wine in barrel to the negociants who did the bottling.

By 1970 that practice was almost nonexistent. Clos Rene did not begin to bottle their own wine until the middle or later part of the 1970’s.

Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 12 hectare Pomerol vineyard of Clos Rene is planted to 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Malbec. With 10% Malbec in their vineyards, they have the largest plantings in Pomerol as well as one of the largest plantings of Malbec in the Right Bank.

The vineyard is located in the far west of Pomerol. just south of Lalande de Pomerol and not far from Chateau LEnclos and Chateau de Sales. The terroir is mostly gravel and sand with some iron deposits in the soil. The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 5,500 vines per hectare. On average, the vines are kept at 35 years of age.

To produce the wine at Clos Rene, vinification takes place in temperature controlled, traditional, cement vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank. The wines are then aged in 25% new, French oak barrels for an average of 18 months before bottling.

There is a second wine, Moulinet-Lasserre. On average, close to 6,000 cases are produced of Clos Rene Pomerol every vintage. Clos Rene was consulted by Michel Rolland. However, today, Thomas Duclos consults the property.

🏅 Vinous 93 pts

The 2021 Clos René is a gorgeous, old-school wine, displaying layered notes of dark fruit, leather, smoke, licorice and spice. Rustic in the best sense of the word, this is beautifully done. This is classic Pomerol all the way. There is a genuineness here that I nd quite attractive.

🏅 James Suckling 91 pts

This is showing notes of currants, dried herbs, paprika and olives. Lovely freshness and savory quality to the dark fruit. It’s medium-bodied, sleek and linear on the palate. Try after 2024.

🏅 Wine Advocate 89 pts

The 2021 Clos René reveals aromas of minty cherries, berries and toasty oak, followed by a medium-bodied, fleshy palate framed by powdery tannins.

$295/bottle