Château La Clusière: The Right Bank Unicorn - Saint-Émilion’s Hidden Treasure
With its final vintage in 2001, Château La Clusière is an uncommon treasure of Bordeaux and a collector’s delight. Only produced in four consecutive years, this Right Bank rarity represents a lost but not forgotten chapter in Saint-Émilion’s history. The estate existed independently for just a few years under the control of supermarket magnate Gerard Perse, who purchased the tiny 2.5-hectare (6-acre) plot from the Valette family of Troplong-Mondot in 1997. The following year, Perse furthered his interest in Saint-Émilion with the purchase of Château Pavie and shifted his attention away from supermarkets, fully dedicating his career to producing high-quality wines.
La Clusière History & Terroir
From 1998 to 2001, these properties each produced their own distinct Grand Vin before the two properties merged in 2002 under the Château Pavie name. Known for their stringent standards, the INAO (the French regulatory body) agreed to this integration as both vineyards had similarly aged vines of 55+ years, and the limestone-clay soils were strikingly alike, offering a seamless transition from one terroir to the next.
Château La Clusière: Right Bank Wine Rarities
With the ascension of Château Pavie to the Premier Grand Cru Classé A level in 2012, the vineyards of La Clusière were also part of this prestigious title. An already miniscule production, the few wines still available from La Clusière offer a unique opportunity to not only taste a fleeting moment in Bordeaux history, but also to experience a Premier Grand Cru caliber wine at a fraction of the price – “Baby Pavie” to those in the know!
Don’t miss out on this rare chance to savor a true unicorn wine before it disappears forever.