Château Clos Bel Air, Pomerol 2016

The history of Clos Bel Air dates back to the 12th century, when the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, the order behind the famed Maltese Cross, first established their presence in the Pomerol region. Owning a small manor house on this very site, they laid the foundation for a viticultural legacy that would endure for centuries.

The Lespine family later inherited a 2.34-hectare vineyard here, becoming its devoted caretakers for five generations. Well known in the canton of Branne, where they owned the Hôtel de France, the family cultivated the estate with dedication until its last heir, Richard Lespine—a former chef—sold it to a foreign investor.

However, mismanagement and the challenges of a global pandemic led to the vineyard changing hands once more. In 2022, Denis Chazarain and Pierre-Yves Rigaux acquired Clos Bel Air, driven by the ambition to restore this hidden gem to its full potential and transform it into an exceptional vineyard.

Situated on one of the world’s most revered terroirs, Clos Bel Air has always been devoted to meticulous viticulture. Here, each vine is treated with individual care, guided by a philosophy of respect for nature and a pursuit of excellence. Cultivated like a garden, the vineyard thrives under a precise, environmentally conscious approach.

With 40-year-old vines, cultivated by hand, the estate produces wines of remarkable finesse and aromatic intensity. The unique terroir—a blend of fine gravel, iron-rich blue clay, and deep subsoils—provides the perfect foundation for Merlot, yielding a rare Pomerol, crafted in the purest tradition of the legendary garage wines of the appellation.