From: Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
Varietals: Merlot/Cabernet Franc
This tiny 14.8 acre vineyard has old vines averaging 45 years with some exceeding 100 years in age, and is planted to 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Run by the young and talented Denis Durantou, the winery is turning out big, succulent, rich, fruit-driven wines of Pomerol. 'L'Eglise-Clinet is still very much of an insider's secret, but has a fiercely loyal following, so latching on to a few bottles of this beauty is difficult. Its quality and rarity account for the high price it fetches-but the wine is worth it. A must buy!' raved Parker in his book Bordeaux.
Taste and Critical Acclaim:
100 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"Deep garnet colored, the 2010 L'Eglise Clinet begins unassumingly with gentle notions of fragrant dried flowers and wild sage leading to savory nut and meat characters over an expanding core of preserved plums, blueberry compote and black cherry coulis plus a waft of menthol. Full-bodied, concentrated and wonderfully decadent, the palate is absolutely packed with rich, ripe black fruit preserves and loads of spicy sparks, framed by super ripe, super plush tannins, finishing very long and decadent. I love the interplay of subtly and power here - this is truly a WOW wine! (LPB)" 3/2020)
96 points Wine Spectator
"Rich but delightfully pure, with a stunningly gorgeous, pure beam of unadulterated raspberry preserves driving through the middle, showing hints of plum, anise and blueberry hanging in the background. The long finish drips with fruit, but maintains the racy acidity needed for balance and elegance, while a fine minerality slides in underneath. (JM)" (3/2013)
94 points Vinous
"The 2010 L’Eglise-Clinet comes across a little introverted and sullen on the nose compared to its peers in this very strong flight. It is attractive in its own way with pretty red berry fruit, briary and rose petals, but declines to reveal its complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, slightly lactic in style, modern in the context of this Pomerol cru, but well balanced on the finish. (NM)" (2/2020)
Jancis Robinson
"Ripe, sweet and leathery on the nose. Rather exotic in its senescent fruit sweetness. Smooth, generous and gorgeously rich but fresh. Open but still so much in reserve. Deep, thick, chewy. Complete but so dense. 18.5/20 points (JH)" (2/2020)