1986 L'Eglise Clinet
By Chateau L'Eglise Clinet
1986 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 1986 vintage of L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet presents an intriguing chapter in the annals of Pomerol, a year that bestowed upon us wines with a formidable structure and an impressive longevity in the cellar. In the vast tapestry of Bordeaux vintages, the 1986 stands out for its distinct profile, shaping the landscape of fine wine investment decades thereafter.
A Testament to Time: The Unyielding Presence of 1986
For those well-versed in the climatic ballet that is Bordeaux winemaking, 1986 was not without its challenges. An exception, however, lies in the resilient terroir of Pomerol. Here, amidst its hallowed soils, the 1986 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet crafted a superb narrative of balance and elegance amid adversity.
Distinguished by Nature, Defined by Artistry
The 1986 vintage brings forth a measured display of power and refinement. Its bouquet reveals depth, with dark berry fruits mingling with earthy truffles and subtle hints of tobacco—a pleasure dome for the olfactory senses. The palate expresses a symphony of mature tannins and a keen acidity, which has mellowed marvelously over the years to reveal a wine of outstanding poise and sophistication. The long finish confirms its aristocratic heritage, befitting any collector's cellar or investment portfolio.
As for investors looking to broaden their assortment with historically significant vintages, the 1986 L'Eglise Clinet remains an enlightened choice. With time, it has unfurled into a consummate example of what enthusiasts adore about mature Bordeaux—complexity and an unyielding grace under the weight of years.
Market price (CAD)
$3,180.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
191
Scores and tasting notes
This wine has become a bit more attenuated with cellaring, and yet while it tastes young and capable of lasting another two decades, I am not quite as enthusiastic about it as I once was. Nevertheless, it is an outstanding effort and certainly one of Pomerol’s top performers in this vintage that favored the Medoc. Still deep, dense ruby with some purple, the aromatics require coaxing from the glass. Notes of cedar, sweet plum, Christmas fruitcake, and black cherries and berries finally emerge with a hint of licorice and mushroom. The wine has excellent concentration, a medium to full-bodied, layered mid-section, and moderately high tannins in the finish. It was the relatively dry, hard tannins in the finish which lowered my score over previous tastings. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020. Last tasted, 5/02.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 31 December 2002
Tasted single blind at FINE magazine's vertical in Dusseldorf. This has a lovely bouquet, very well defined with blackberry, a touch of camphor, cassis and violets
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011