| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
With a dense ruby/purple color is followed by a pure nose of mulberries, cherry liqueur and spring flowers, but no hint of oak, this full-bodied, opulent, rich beauty exhibits impressive purity, texture, richness and length. Not as structured or tannic as Trotanoy, it moves more in the direction of the opulence and flashy, showy fruit of Hosanna and Petrus. It should drink well for 15-20 years.
A wine that has a lovely depth of fruit and balance for the vintage, with blackberry, licorice and dark-chocolate character. Full and very silky. Very impressive. What a wonderful wine for the vintage. Full of finesse. Better in 2016.
"More clay, deep roots, no stress," was Denis Durantou's succinct summary of why Pomerol fared comparatively well in 2011. This superb wine confirms his theory: lavender and oregano on the nose, sweet sandalwood oak, supple, plump Merlot tannins on the palate, with Cabernet Franc adding a green pepper lift. Smoky, fresh and beautifully poised, this is one of the stars of the Right Bank. 12+ years.
Two samples: the first a touch oxidised and marked by oak; the second revealed the power, energy and density of this wine. A firm tannic frame underpins layers of rich, dark fruit. Possibly a 5-star wine down the line.
Another brilliant wine from proprietor Denis Durantou, the powerhouse 2011 l'Eglise Clinet is one of the most densely packed and stacked wines of Pomerol. Inky ruby/purple-colored with a classic bouquet of black currants, black cherries, creme caramel and vanillin, it reveals great fruit on the attack and mid-palate, medium to full body, lavish extraction, no bitterness, sweet, well-integrated tannins, and enough acidity for vibrancy and definition. It should be drinkable in 3-5 years and last for two decades or more.
Tasted at the property, Denis Durantou cannot really do wrong these days. The l'Eglise-Clinet 2011 was cropped between 12th and 15th September and the Cabernet Franc on 24th September, a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc being aged in 80% new oak. The nose is very elegant bouquet once left to unfurl over 10 minutes. It offers dark cherry fruits with touches of cassis and minerals: all very refined and poised. The palate is very well balanced with great precision on the entry. The Merlot is very expressive this year. The tannins are supremely fine and the finish linear and strict, offering traces of briary and minerals. There is a lovely femininity and sense of drinkability about this harmonious l'Eglise-Clinet that should be a worthy follow-up to the heavenly 2010. Tasted April 2012.
A balanced wine with lovely floral and berry character and hints of dark chocolate. Full body, with a creamy tannin structure and lovely length. Lively acidity.
