Tasting Notes
Vinous 97
The 2017 L’Eglise-Clinet is dark, sensual and wonderfully rich. It opens with a silky, captivating bouquet laced with the essence of dried flowers, mocha, chocolate, spice and blackberry jam. While L’Eglise-Clinet is light on its feet for such a big, imposing wine, the 2017 is going to need a number of years to come into its own. Even in the early going, though, it is super-impressive. Revisiting it with a bit of air reveals a Pomerol of soaring intensity and explosive energy and vivid, striking beauty. I loved it.
Anticipated maturity: 2027-2047
JancisRobinson.com 18.5
Tasted blind. Deep ruby colour. Earthy, leathery spices and rich red fruit on the nose. Underneath there is darker cassis and hints of camphor. The palate is bold and structured, driven by chewy and mouth-coating tannins. Tightly coiled, there is a dense ball of ripe dark fruit at the core waiting to burst forth. Driven, long finish with excellent potential. Constantly improving in the glass, it will need patience. (TP)
Anticipated maturity: 2027-2040
Robert Parker 98
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 L’Eglise Clinet begins a little closed and broody, soon unfurling to reveal powerful notes of baked black plums, chocolate-covered cherries and blueberry preserves with hints of chargrill, mocha and aniseed plus a touch of tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is a powerhouse of crunchy, vibrant black fruit, framed by wonderfully ripe, rounded tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and savory. Bravo!
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2054
