| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
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.
As usual, the 2023 La Petite Eglise is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that checks in at 14.4% alcohol. Wafting from the glass with aromas of plums and cherries mingled with notes of dark chocolate and truffle, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and succulent, with a rich core of fruit, sweet tannins and good depth at the core, concluding with a broad, oak-inflected finish.
The 2023 La Petite Eglise comes from two plots near the village of Pomerol, augmented by the youngest vines in front of the château. It comprises 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, picked from September 9 to 14, the Franc on the last day. Matured in 82% new oak, this is initially quite backward on the nose, demanding a bit of aeration in the glass. Quite pure and floral, it only reluctantly opens. The palate is medium-bodied and very pure, with fine-boned tannins. The new oak is vocal toward the finish, lending a smooth veneer that will be subsumed with time in bottle. This is very fine, but allow it a few years in bottle.
Bright ruby in colour with dewy red berry fruit on the nose, lightly layered with sweeter kirsch and fresh cherry juice. The palate has a light smokiness and sandy tannins that quickly melt into the fruit. There is a touch of cherry cola and fresh vanilla, giving an overall sweeter impression than the other wines in the Durantou line up, but the fresh acidity is still there to back it up. Approachable.
A firm and racy red with blackberry, black olive, and orange peel. Just a hint of salt. Medium to full body. Tight center-palate with lovely tannins and a savory finish. Fresh and balanced at the end. Crunchy. Open. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc.
A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, La Petite Eglise 2023 has a deep garnet-purple color. It pops from the glass with scents of juicy black plums, fresh mulberries, and Morello cherries, leading to fragrant suggestions of violets and charcoal, with a touch of black truffles. The medium-bodied palate is light on its feet, with bright berry layers and a firm, fine-grained texture, finishing earthy.
So delicious, a seriously impressive wine combining juicy spiced plum and damson fruits, bitter black chocolate and espresso, serious and reserved, with the creamy texture of Pomerol fruits emerging after a few minutes in the glass. Noëmie Durantou winemaker. Harvest September 1 to 18. 42hl/h yield.
The 2023 La Petite Eglise is a serious, deep wine. It is one of the few second wines in Bordeaux that needs some time in bottle to be at its best. Dark-toned fruit, graphite, leather, menthol, spice and incense lend this large-scaled Pomerol a ton of distinction. A dollop of Franc (10%) adds tension and vibrancy.
90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Broad, fleshy and gourmand. Lighter but fine tannic frame, the Cabernet Franc adding a bit more depth and length on the finish. (JL) 14.4%
Drink 2028 – 2038
