Guillot Clauzel, Chateau
Summary
Château Guillot Clauzel is a boutique 2.5-hectare Pomerol estate producing a single Merlot-dominant wine from clay and gravel soils, with annual production limited to approximately 10,000 bottles. Under Guillaume Thienpont's management since 2013, the property combines traditional Bordeaux winemaking with precision techniques refined at Vieux Château Certan, elevating the estate's potential through thoughtful evolution that honors its historical roots.
Heritage & Leadership
Chateau Guillot Clauzel is a small wine estate situated in the Pomerol appellation on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. The property has been owned by the Clauzel family for several generations, with Madame Guillot-Clauzel serving as the proprietor until recent years. In 2013, the estate entered a new chapter when Guillaume Thienpont, from the family behind the prestigious Vieux Château Certan, took over management of the property. This arrangement brought Thienpont's viticultural expertise to the estate while maintaining the Clauzel family's connection to the property. The collaboration represents a significant development in the estate's history, combining traditional ownership with contemporary winemaking knowledge.
Vineyards & Wines
Chateau Guillot Clauzel encompasses approximately 2.5 hectares of vineyards in Pomerol, positioned near the border with Saint-Émilion. The vineyard is planted predominantly with Merlot (approximately 85%) complemented by Cabernet Franc (15%), reflecting the typical grape composition of the Pomerol region. The estate's terroir features the classic clay and gravel soils that characterize this appellation, providing excellent drainage and mineral components that influence the wine's character. The vineyard's location in Pomerol places it in one of Bordeaux's smallest yet most distinctive appellations, known for producing wines of concentration and elegance. The estate produces a single wine, the Chateau Guillot Clauzel Pomerol, with an annual production of approximately 10,000 bottles, depending on the vintage conditions.
Philosophy & Practice
Under Guillaume Thienpont's direction, Chateau Guillot Clauzel follows traditional Bordeaux winemaking methods with careful attention to detail. Harvest is conducted by hand, with rigorous selection of grapes both in the vineyard and at the sorting table. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, allowing for precise extraction of color, tannin, and flavor compounds. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and aging in French oak barrels, with approximately 50% new oak used each vintage. This measured approach to oak influence aims to complement rather than overwhelm the fruit character of the wine. The estate's small size enables a focused, hands-on approach throughout the winemaking process, from vineyard management through bottling. Thienpont applies techniques refined at Vieux Château Certan, including careful canopy management and yield control, to maximize the expression of Guillot Clauzel's particular terroir.