L'Eglise Clinet 2009

Proprietor Denis Durantou has produced a blockbuster Pomerol from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, tipping the scales at just over 14.5% natural alcohol. A riveting wine, pure, elegant, but at the same time, extremely powerful and concentrated, with stunning texture, opulence and density, the tannins are abundant, and the wine certainly in need of a decade of cellaring. Fabulous creme de cassis and cherry liqueur notes are intertwined with hints of licorice, truffle, and graphite. Full and rich, but still in an infantile state of development, this wine needs to be cellared for 10 years but should keep for five decades or more. This 2009 is absolutely profound.

The 2009 l’Eglise-Clinet was picked 14 to 28 September and matured in 80% new oak. It remains remarkably youthful on the nose, rendering the brilliant 2010 a bit introverted by comparison. This comes racing out of the blocks with ebullient red cherries, crushed strawberry and raspberry fruit, touches of dried rose petal and melted tar. With aeration there is just a touch of liquorish. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin that belies the arching structure underneath. It manages to retain awesome power and yet deliver a refined finish that feels long and tender. Stunning. Tasted at the l’Eglise-Clinet vertical at the château in April 2018.

Wonderful aromas of crushed blackberries and blueberries and spices. Rose petals. Full body, with soft and velvety tannins and a juicy, fruity finish. Beautiful layers of tannins, with hints of acidity. Best after 2017.

Scented nose. Very rich and thick and polished. Fresh and expressive - lots of nervy fruit. Very lively and exciting and nervy - not unlike its maker. Still very tight though. Date tasted 29th March 2010. Drink 2018-2030.

Denis Durantou is making stunning wines that, since 1985, have invariably matched or beaten all the top names of Pomerol in blind tastings. Produced from 40 year old vines picked when ripe but never late. No fancy tricks here, just old vines, great terroir and inspired, yet traditional, wine-making. Always one of the top wines of the appellation. 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Denis is rather shocked by the wines of some of his neighbours in 2009 and is convinced that there are too many late-picked wines that have too much alcohol and not enough freshness. He is probably right. Certainly this is a great Eglise Clinet that, above all, has lift and liveliness. Picked from the 14th to 21st of September. Fantastically defined and concentrated yet bright and fresh. No jam here! Subtle wine, not shouting, but intrinsically classy. Some smooth, toasty oak, sweet red fruit. Vibrant and gorgeous yet wonderfully balanced. A brave decision to pick when he did and the right one. Another brilliant Eglise Clinet which Denis prefers to his 100 point rated 2005.

There is sweetness on the nose, power and richness from the mass of black plum. Supple and fleshy on the palate the richness of the fruit is well balanced by structure from the underlying tannins and the bilberry freshness that is there towards the back ensures sleekness and elegance. Drink 2018-2040.

Rich and dense but equally fresh and poised. Absolutely packed with fruit. Massive tannic frame but tannins smooth, voluptuous and suave. Aromatically reserved but clearly huge potential. Drink 2018-2045.

This is an enormous wine with an incredibly long finish. Sweet and opulent but there is structure too. Very intense red fruit, bright yet opulent. Lingers for minutes....