1999 L'Eglise Clinet
By Chateau L'Eglise Clinet
1999 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
As we turn the pages of Bordeaux's illustrious winemaking history to the final year of the twentieth century, the 1999 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet emerges as a testament to Pomerol's finesse in a year that threw challenges at vintners. Against the backdrop of an inconsistent season, this vintage emerged like a gem wrapped in silk—a true collector's piece in an investor's intricate mosaic of fine wines.
The Distinguished 1999 Vintage
The year 1999 did not promise an easy journey for the winegrowers in Bordeaux. A hot summer punctuated with unwelcome rain towards the season's end created a harvest that was anything but predictable. Yet, it was within these varying climatic bookends that the 1999 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet sculpted its narrative—one of dexterity amidst adversity. While harnessing the unique terroir of Pomerol, this vintage proffers a plush tapestry interwoven with ripe Merlot and a hint of Cabernet Franc for structural depth.
A Confluence of Sensory Delights
On sampling, one is greeted by an enigmatic bouquet—a blend of blackcurrant, truffles, and a genteel earthiness that whispers tales of its origin. These notes elegantly cascade into a palate graced with supple tannins and an acidity that pirouettes through with finesse. The wine unravels its complexity leisurely, suggesting that while it stands with poise today, further cellaring could unfold additional layers of sensory poetry.
An investment in the 1999 L'Eglise Clinet is to cherish an exemplar Pomerol vintage that exudes elegance under duress—a vintage which, ultimately, defied climatic odds to yield a wine brimming with grace and longevity. At its current evolution stage, the wine provides both immediate gratification and potential for future ascension in both stature and value.
In conclusion, the 1999 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet showcases the resilience and adaptability inherent to this venerable region. It is a vintage marked by characteristics that are uniquely its own—crafted by a season of contrasts, resulting in a wine that is profound and collectable; one that continues to capture the imagination of fine wine investors worldwide.
Market price (CAD)
$2,450.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
113.08
Scores and tasting notes
Like Lafleur '99 up the road, the Chateau l'Eglise-Clinet '93 is in a very good place at the moment. Here, it has a lucid deep garnet colour that hardly appears to have aged in the last two years. The bouquet is captivating with scents of dark plum, wild strawberry, hints of black truffle and cold stones that are well defined. The palate is very well balanced with a keen thread of acidity. It is sensual and generous in the mouth
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Sep 2013
The 1999 l'Eglise Clinet has evolved beautifully since tasted last year. This is one of the stars of the vintage. It is an extraordinary expression of elegance married to power. An opaque purple color is followed by aromas of black raspberries, currants, licorice, graphite, truffles, and earth. The wine is sweet and expansive. It is a model of purity, symmetry, and balance. Moderate tannin suggests 4-5 years of cellaring is required. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #140 April 2002
Denis Durantou explained that analytically, the Château l'Eglise-Clinet 1999 is exactly the same as the 1998, although it is completely different in taste. He also said that it was the last vintage that he had to chaptalize (a little). Poured from magnum, it is clearly more mild-mannered on the nose than the preceding vintage, but still extremely well defined with blackberry and briary scents, a hint of black truffle and incense following later. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannin. The acidity here is well judged, not unlike a superior and more substantial version of the 1997, with commendable precision on the truffle-tinged finish. This can be broached now, but unlike the 1997, this has another decade or more of drinking pleasure to give. Tasted March 2015.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 July 2016