2016 l'Eglise Clinet
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Tasting Notes
The 2016 L'Eglise-Clinet is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked between 21 September and 4 October for the former and on 6 October for the latter. It was cropped at 43 hectoliters per hectare and matured in 80% new oak, with around 14.2% alcohol. Lucid in color, it has a quintessential L'Eglise-Clinet bouquet with blackberry, raspberry coulis, liquid minerals and hints of iris and incense. The palate is very precise and crisp, some of the finest tannins that you will encounter in Pomerol, tensile right from the beginning, taut and linear with immense precision towards the extended mineral-soaked finish. This is nothing less than a brilliant wine from Denis Durantou, undoubtedly one of the stars of the vintage.
Critic Scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
This has so much violet and black-olive character to it. It’s full-bodied and powerful with incredible power and depth of old-vine tannins. It just rolls on and on. What a finish. Mar 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
A flash of spearmint gives this a fresh feel, while the core of raspberry and boysenberry fruit follows up quickly, carried by lively acidity. The long, fruitcake-filled finish keeps a sense of elegance. Very enticing. Apr 2017, James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com
90% Merlot picked 21 September to 4 October (earlier than most), 10% Cabernet Franc picked 6 October. 43 hl/ha. 80% new oak. Deep sultry crimson. Heady. Savoury nose. Meaty flavours and fantastic structure with enough flesh in the middle. Not the sweetest and not as fat as usual but there is drama and depth here. Very long. I think this will come round. Apr 2017, www.jancisrobinson.com, Drink: 2028-2045
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About the producer
Ch. l'Eglise-Clinet is one of the most unassuming wine estates in Bordeaux. You'd probably drive past it if you didn't have prior knowledge of its vinous output. There's no ostentatious gateway nor sweeping gravel drive.