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La Petite Eglise (2nd label Eglise Clinet) 2022

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyMerlot/Cabernet Franc

This is a serious Pomerol in its own right, but it is sold at a fraction of the price of Eglise Clinet and is often the best value wine of the appellation. Previously a 100% Merlot cuvée, Cabernet Franc has been included since 2018 when part of the Merlot vineyard was also pulled up, reducing production levels. The fruit comes from sandier soils rather than from the vines of Eglise Clinet itself.

Under 400 cases will be produced in 2022 from 0.6 hectares of vines. Aged in 60% new oak.

View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château L'Église-Clinet

Label

Tasting Notes

There's a minerality to this with dark-berry, cedar, dried-flower and sandalwood aromas following through to a medium to full body. Ultrafine tannins run the length of the wine. It’s racy and focused at the end. A muscular yet beautifully formed red from L'Eglise Clinet. Drink after 2028.

96
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, February 2025

There will only be some 4,700 bottles of the 2022 La Petite Eglise, a cuvée that combines some younger-vine fruit with two dedicated parcels, one located next to Pomerol's church, the other by the château of La Fleur-Pétrus. Offering up aromas of cherries, sweet berries, incense, dark chocolate and petals, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with a suave, seamless, elegant profile, retaining a bright core of fruit and refined tannins in this warm vintage.

92/94
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (June 2023 ), June 2023

The 2022 La Petite Eglise is one of the go-to wines from Pomerol, a second label acting more like a Grand Vin. This offers irresistible purity on the nose, featuring blackberry, truffle, walnut oil and a background scent of dark chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky texture from the start, exquisite balance, perfectly judged acidity and a razor-sharp finish that beckons you back for the next sip. It is wonderful. 2027 - 2040

93
Neal Martin, vinous.com, February 2025

Mid ruby-purple in colour. There is a real fragrance here with cherry blossom, red plum and sweet wood smoke. The palate is deft and open-knit, with succulent red fruit and a hint of freshness. Delicate and juicy, with a midweight intensity and fine, grippy tannins. Silky on the finish, finishing with more of that juicy red fruit. A moreish, saline Petite Eglise that will drink well when young.

91/93
Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners, April 2023

A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, La Petite Eglise 2022 is deep garnet-purple in color. Scents of blackberry pie, baked plums, and dark chocolate jump from the glass, followed by hints of cumin seed and cast-iron pan. The medium to full-bodied palate is bright and lively, with mouth-coating black and blue fruits and a minerally finish.

91/93
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, May 2023

Earliest harvest on record, beginning August 31, and yet great Merlot quality is clear. An intense, almost reserved structure at this point, blackberry laced with cocoa bean and chocolate shavings, gunsmoke, black pepper and grilled fennel as it opens, great depth of flavour, clear family signature with L'Eglise Clinet. 34hl/h yields. Noémie Durantou winemaker.

94
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, March 2025

85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
A little more complexity and structure this year. Red-fruit and violet notes, the fruit generous and flavour intense. Firm, ripe tannins behind provide a serious edge. Length on the finish. (JL) 14.5%
Drink 2028– 2040

17
James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com, May 2023
Read more tasting notes...

The 2022 La Petite Eglise was picked from 31 August to 9 September and was aged in 60% new oak. It has a pure bouquet with dark berry fruit, pressed iris flower and light loamy scents. The palate is medium-bodied with seductive black berries and strawberries laced with white pepper. It's harmonious and sensual on the finish. Superb. 2027-2040

92/94
Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2023

Chocolate and walnut with hazelnut and berries. It’s full and chewy with velvety tannins and spices. Juicy and salty finish. Savory.

95/96
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2023

This is an impressive Petite Eglise, has a sweet subtle spicing, lovely black pepper and great juice. Slate, black chocolate, espresso, mandarin peel, so many layers, delicious. 34hl/h yields. Harvest August 31 (earliest ever) to September 9, 60% new oak. Noemie Durantou winemaker.

93
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, May 2023
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.