The 2006 Clos du Clocher does not appear to have moved much since I last tasted Jean-Baptiste's Pomerol cru in 2011. The nose remains a little tight and more primal than I was expecting at ten years of age, those redcurrants and strawberries still dominating the aromatics, impressive intensity, but there is still the overriding impression that this Pomerol requires longer time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of brambly red berry fruit. There is satisfying weight in the mouth and those once rigid tannins have softened in recent years. It just needs to find a little more "flow" on the finish and I think it will...just longer than I would have anticipated! Tasted March 2016.

With a stricter selection, I suspect Clos du Clocher could be one of the outstanding estates of the appellation. However, the 2006 is a very good, sexy effort displaying an evolved dark garnet color along with notes of almond paste, black cherry liqueur, plums, and figs. This medium to full-bodied, fleshy, savory wine is ideal for drinking over the next 7-8 years.