Clos l'Église
French pronunciation guide
A tiny, organically farmed Pomerol estate producing richly concentrated, age-worthy reds from iron-rich clay soils in the heart of the appellation.
Clos l'Église is a prestigious 5.8-hectare Pomerol estate producing powerful, age-worthy Merlot-based reds from iron-rich clay soils. Purchased in 1997 by Sylviane Garcin-Cathiard for €12 million, the estate is now run by Hélène Garcin and Patrice Lévèque using fully organic farming methods.
- Located in the centre-east of Pomerol, directly next to Château Clinet
- 6 hectares planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc
- Purchased in 1997 by Sylviane Garcin-Cathiard for €12 million
- All vineyard farming is certified organic
- Vine density of 7,150 vines per hectare with an average vine age of 35 years
- Aged 16 to 24 months in new French oak barrels following fermentation in stainless steel
- Production is approximately 2,800 cases per year
History and Ownership
Clos l'Église traces its origins to the 18th century and entered its modern era in 1975 when the Moreau family redesigned and modernized the property. The pivotal moment in recent history came in 1997 when Sylviane Garcin-Cathiard purchased the estate for €12 million. Today the property is managed by Hélène Garcin and Patrice Lévèque, who have continued to elevate its reputation as one of Pomerol's most sought-after addresses.
- Origins date to the 18th century
- Modernised by the Moreau family from 1975
- Acquired by Sylviane Garcin-Cathiard in 1997 for €12 million
- Currently run by Hélène Garcin and Patrice Lévèque
Terroir and Vineyard
The estate sits in the centre-east of the Pomerol appellation, neighbouring Château Clinet, on a site that encapsulates classic Pomerol terroir. The soils feature sandy-gravel topsoil over a hard-pan clay subsoil rich in iron, the same iron-rich clay belt responsible for the power and concentration found in the finest Pomerol wines. Pomerol's climate is more continental than the maritime Médoc, with generally more spring rainfall but drier summers and winters.
- Sandy-gravel topsoil over iron-rich hard-pan clay subsoil
- Centre-east Pomerol location, adjacent to Château Clinet
- More continental climate than the Médoc, with drier summers
- Vine density of 7,150 vines per hectare; average vine age 35 years
Viticulture and Winemaking
The 5.8 to 6-hectare vineyard is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, a blend well suited to the iron-rich clay soils that give Merlot particular depth and structure in Pomerol. All farming is conducted using organic methods. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats, after which the wine is aged for 16 to 24 months in new French oak barrels. The result is a richly concentrated, powerful wine built for ageing.
- 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
- Fully organic viticulture across all 6 hectares
- Fermented in stainless steel; aged 16 to 24 months in new French oak
- Production of approximately 2,800 cases per year
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Look it up →Classification and Reputation
Pomerol has no official classification system, so the standing of its estates is determined entirely by quality and historical performance. Within that context, Clos l'Église has established itself as one of the appellation's elite producers. Its best recent vintages span 2015 through 2023, a consistent run that reflects both the quality of the terroir and the direction of the current ownership.
- Pomerol has no official classification; reputation is market and critic driven
- Recognised as one of Pomerol's top estates by collectors and critics
- Outstanding recent vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Richly concentrated and powerful, with ripe dark plum and black cherry fruit underpinned by iron-tinged earthiness, silky tannins from Pomerol's clay soils, and spice from new French oak. Structured and age-worthy, with complexity that develops over many years in bottle.
- Clos l'Église Pomerol$120-200The estate's sole wine; iron-rich clay terroir delivers concentrated dark fruit, silky tannins, and serious ageing potential.Find →
- Pomerol has no official classification system; producer reputations are based solely on quality and historical performance
- Clos l'Église is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc on sandy-gravel topsoil over iron-rich hard-pan clay subsoil
- Winemaking: stainless steel fermentation followed by 16 to 24 months ageing in new French oak barrels
- Vine density of 7,150 vines per hectare is notably high for Pomerol; average vine age is 35 years
- Estate purchased in 1997 by Sylviane Garcin-Cathiard for €12 million; all viticulture is organic