#80 in Top 100 World, 2024. Extremely complex and subtle with blackberries, wild forest fruits, orange peel, bark and mushroom on the nose. Perfumed. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are polished and extremely long, going on for minutes. Structured and layered yet compressed on the finish. Some terra-cotta and stoney undertones. This shows old-vine character and the essence of 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. Give this three or four years in bottle, but it’s surprisingly attractive now.
96-96 A deep, serious wine, the 2021 L'Eglise Clinet unwinds in the glass with notions of wild berries and plums mingled with dark chocolate, sweet loamy soil, warm spices, violets and black truffle. Full-bodied, concentrated and muscular, it's rich and layered, with a concentrated core of fruit, lively acids and plenty of ripe, powdery tannin that nods to its origins in a sector of Pomerol capable of producing some of the appellation's most structured, long-lived wines. It's a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.
94-96 The 2021 L'Eglise-Clinet was picked September 27–29, a rapid harvest within three days; winemaker Noëmie Durantou told me she wanted to beat the forecasted rain that would have diluted the fruit. Raised in 75% new oak, this has a less concentrated, mineral-driven bouquet that bides its time, offering nuanced pine cone scents with aeration. The palate is clearly built around elegance, with its finely chiseled tannins and wonderful crushed stone notes. Perhaps a more streamlined l'Eglise-Clinet, showing wonderful precision. This Pomerol never tries to outdo its limitations or ape previous vintages, lending it an intangible sense of honesty. Beautiful.
A dark, serious brooding nose full of black fruits, truffle, rose, violet and dark chocolate. The palate is different however giving succulent and lively red fruits - sweet/sour strawberries and red cherries, so fresh and sincere, so perfectly presented with the bitter touches balanced against sweetness, racy acidity and fine tannins. An easy-to-like wine, with personality and style and just a feeling of pure joy about it! Not rich, heavy or opulent but taking the most joyous elements from the vintage and putting them the glass, still with structure and depth. Great winemaking on show by Noëmie Durantou Reilhac. Ageing in 70% new oak.
93-95 The Grand Vin 2021 Château L'Eglise Clinet checks in as 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc that's resting in 75% new French oak and hit 14% alcohol. It's another medium-bodied, fresh, elegant, incredibly classic wine from this great estate that has pure dark, almost blue fruits, loads of floral and leafy herb nuances, integrated acidity, and beautiful tannins. I love its purity, and while it shines for its elegance and purity, it has good density.
TWI
95pts
The Wine Independent
A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, L’Eglise-Clinet 2021 was aged in 75% new oak. It has a deep garnet-purple color and strides confidently out of the glass with bold notes of juicy black plums, Morello cherries, and wild blueberries, plus suggestions of licorice, violets, and wet slate. The medium-bodied palate has a plush texture and bags of freshness framing the bright, expressive black and red berry flavors, finishing long with a spicy lift. Beautiful!