Clos Rene Pomerol Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Clos Rene Pomerol with wine tasting notes, wine, and food pairing tips, best vintages, a history of the property, and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Clos Rene History, Overview

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. As you can see, the name was later changed to match its phonetic sound. The original chateau pictured on the label was constructed in 1880.

At some point in the early 1940s, 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 1970s.

Clos Rene 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 tanks. 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.

The best vintages of Clos Rene are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2001 and 2000. Starting with 2018, the quality of Clos Rene has really improved.

When to Drink Clos Rene, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Clos Rene needs some time before it can be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 1 hour, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Clos Rene is usually better with at least 3-5 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Clos Rene offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 4-15 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Clos Rene Pomerol with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Clos Rene Pomerol is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. Clos Rene is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.

Clos Rene Pomerol is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.