Clos du Roy

Clos du Roy is a family-owned winery in the Fronsac appellation of Bordeaux. Its history dates back to the 1970s, when Louis Roy first bottled wine under this label. In 1987, his son-in-law, Philippe Hermouet, took the helm and shaped the estate into its current form. Today, a new generation continues this legacy.

The 22-hectare vineyards are situated on hills overlooking the confluence of the Dordogne and Isle rivers. The clay-limestone soils, with a significant clay content, are particularly well-suited for the Merlot grape. The average vine age ranges from 25 to 30 years. The varietal blend is typical for the region: 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The winemaking process is meticulous: grapes undergo controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks with gentle pressing, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine then ages for 12–16 months in French oak barrels, one-third of which are new. Annual production is approximately 50,000 to 60,000 bottles.

Wines from Clos du Roy are renowned for their excellent balance, structure, and aging potential. The 2019 and 2021 vintages have received strong reviews. The 2019 vintage earned 91–92 points from James Suckling and 90–92+ from Wine Advocate, while the 2021 vintage received scores of 90–92 from reviewers such as Neal Martin and James Suckling.

Clos du Roy perfectly embodies the Right Bank style of Bordeaux — the wines are elegant, with fine tannins, rich dark fruit notes, and a mineral backbone. They are also very approachable and offer exceptional value for money, a quality praised by wine enthusiasts.