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Clos l'Eglise 2005

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

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Tasting Notes

The talented and charming Sylvie Garcin runs this tiny property of 15 acres, planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in 100% new oak. The 2005 is dense ruby/purple, with notes of smoky barbecue, crushed blackcurrants and jammy cherries, with some licorice and earth in the background (truffle?). This full-bodied, multi-dimensional, full-throttle and concentrated Pomerol is top class. This is a great example of the vintage and of this beautiful terroir not far from Pomerol’s church. Approachable now, it will even improve for another 5-10 years and drink well for at least two more decades. Drink 2015-2035.

96
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (219), June 2015

The Clos l'Eglise 2005 is more backward on the nose compared to its peers, but I appreciate the delineation here: blackberry, cedar and just a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. There is just a dash of black pepper on the entry: quite grippy in the mouth that fans out in controlled fashion. This feels slightly sultry at the moment but it will gain some flesh as it continues to mature in bottle. This still has that panache. Drink 2018 - 2035

94
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, February 2015
94
James Suckling, WineSpectator.com, February 2008

Tasted blind. Blueish crimson. Unformed nose. Sweet and embryonic on the palate. Lots of furry tannins impinge on the end. Not graceful yet. A bit St-Émilion modernist in style. Not much follow-through.
Drink 2018-2030

16
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, March 2017

Full red-ruby. Superripe, even decadent aromas of plum, redcurrant and caramel; very Pomerol. Like liquid silk in the mouth, with an extravagant sweetness and lushness to the middle palate. Wonderfully fine-grained and rich, with its fruit component in the background today. The finish goes on and on, and is almost shockingly vibrant. In terms of aromatic persistence, this was one of the longest wines of my week on the Right Bank. A compelling wine.

95
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

Modern in style. Purple-black colour. Rich, layered extract. Powerful tannins coated in sumptuous, velvety fruit. Opulent but balanced as well. Drink 2015-2030.

18
James Lawther MW, Decanter.com, April 2006

Came 30th out of 184 wines

17
-, Southwold Bordeaux Tasting, January 2009
Read more tasting notes...

The 2005 Clos l’Eglise gives the brilliant 2001, 2000, and1998 a run for their money. Time will tell if it eventually eclipses those three sensational efforts. A huge, sweet nose of creme brulee intermixed with black cherry liqueur, blackberries, tar, caramel, and mocha/coffee soars from the glass of this blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Opulence, superb intensity, abundant quantities of sweet toasty oak, a full-bodied richness, and excellent purity as well as depth suggest it will age effortlessly for over two decades. This is a brilliant Pomerol from proprietor Helene Garcin and her consulting winemaker, Dr. Alain Raynaud

96
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (176), April 2008

A spectacular Pomerol from Helene Garcin, this blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc emerges from a 15-acre vineyard planted on the plateau of Pomerol. The 2005 ranks alongside the estate’s greatest efforts to date, the 2001, 2000, and 1998. An extraordinary perfume of creme brulee interwoven with chocolate, mocha, blackberries, and sweet kirsch soars from the glass. With superb intensity, sweet tannin, stunning opulence, and fabulous texture and purity, this is a compelling example of the appellation as well as the vintage. It should be approachable in 3-4 years, and last for two decades or more. If you can find it, buy it by the caseload. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2030.

95/97
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (170), April 2007

This estate has been on fire since 1997, and the 2005 is their finest effort since 2000, 2001, and 1998. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc (from the oldest vines of Pomerol), it offers up fabulous aromas of truffles, black currants, vanilla, barbecue spices, and graphite. This well-endowed, full-bodied wine reveals an opulent, voluptuous texture, surprisingly good acidity, and high tannin. The 2005 vintage is unusual in that it is extremely concentrated and tannic yet vibrant and refreshing. This is another example of a potentially profound as well as long-lived wine. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2030.

94/96
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (164), April 2006

Aromas of raisins and tar with a grapey undertone. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Thick and juicy.

92/94
James Suckling, WineSpectator.com, March 2006

Rich and sleek without too much sweetness on the nose but a bit drying on the end. Just a bit hollow. 14%
Drink 2018-2033

16.5
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, February 2015

Beef extract on the nose and something quite intriguing. Then satiny ripe black berries and still a bit of gas. Very chewy. But good ripe fruit too. This should blossom eventually. Drink 2013-22

17
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 2006
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.