2000 L'Eglise Clinet
By Chateau L'Eglise Clinet
2000 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
As we delve into the revered vaults of Bordeaux's elite, the 2000 vintage of Pomerol wines often emerges as a beacon of viticultural prowess. The 2000 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet stands as a prime exemplar of this storied vintage—fortuitous climatic gifts bestowed upon the winemakers a canvas to craft a masterpiece. My encounter with this particular bottle was akin to a symphony of senses, each sip evoking a harmonious arrangement that only time and tender care could procure.
An Epitome of Elegance: Investment-Worthy Pomerol
In a landscape where investors seek to amalgamate pleasure with profitability, the 2000 L'Eglise Clinet offers an unequivocal avenue for both. My assessment is not merely rooted in hyperbole but in the tangible, decadent fruit concentration and the finely tuned balance that graced this wine. As we disentangle the layers, it is apparent that the long, warm growing season of 2000 has bestowed upon us a repository of ripe merlot with whispers of cabernet franc that enchant the palate.
Terroir's Triumph: A Vintage Defined
One cannot overstate the significance of terroir in moulding the distinct character found within this bottle—the interplay between soil, vine, and climate reaches its zenith here in Pomerol. Notably, the 2000 L'Eglise Clinet captures this serendipitous marriage with a voluptuousness that is accented by refined tannins and an exhilarating acidity that denotes longevity.
On the nose, one detects a cornucopia of black cherry and truffle, promising depth before the first taste is even taken. The palate is then blessed with an intricacy of flavours—aged leather mingles with hints of espresso and dark chocolate. It is compellingly complex yet poised—a statement only achievable by those at the helm like Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, whose deft hands guide each vintage to their expressive pinnacle.
Drawing my critique to its conclusion, investing in bottles such as the 2000 L'Eglise Clinet can be likened to acquiring a rare piece of art. Its appreciation both in sensory delight and monetary value suggests a prudent addition to any earnest collection. This particular vintage illustrates magnificently how Chateau L'Eglise Clinet transforms nature's bounty into liquid allure—a storied addition poised for contemplation or celebration.
Market price (HKD)
HK$28,100.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
154.74
Scores and tasting notes
Incredible concentration and richness in this wine. This is good stuff, loads of complexity with notes of flowers, vanilla, and ripe fruit. Still drinking like a baby, this is full, soft, and long. Opulent and gorgeous right now but give this five years and you'll be better off. Pull the cork in 2015. So much fruit for a Bordeaux. 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, May 29th 2012
A stunning wine with extraordinary concentration, but still somewhat backward, this 2000 needs much more time than I projected seven years ago. It boasts an inky/dark purple color along with an intense nose of kirsch, blackberries, licorice, caramel, and flowers. Full-bodied with abundant tannin as well as a multidimensional, thick texture, this unevolved Pomerol has not changed much since its 2003 release. Gorgeous purity and a natural mouthfeel make for a dazzling wine that will benefit from another 5-10 years of cellaring, and last for three decades thereafter. It is a legendary effort!
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #189 June 2010
The Château l'Eglise-Clinet 2000 was the only vintage that Denis Durantou did not fine before bottling. It is blessed with a brilliant nose that possesses the intensity of the 1998, but I find this more focused and delineated. It has a level of purity that one can only describe as profound, scents of black cherry, cassis, cedar and black truffle unfolding with each passing moment in the glass. The palate has exquisite balance with salinity that gets the saliva flowing. There is a seam of spiciness, black pepper and rosemary that coat the mouth, but the overall style at the moment is linear and focused. The precision on the finish is enthralling, completing a fabulous l'Eglise-Clinet that rivets your feet to the spot (and maybe your palate, too?). Tasted March 2015.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 July 2016
Tasted single blind at FINE magazine's vertical in Dusseldorf. This is relatively broody compared to other vintages: dark fruits, blackberry, a touch of potter's wheel and cedar. Well defined although not a powerful nose. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly hard tannins, good weight though, real backbone here with a hint of vanilla pod towards the powerful minerally, briary finish. Exquisite poise, ambitious yet remaining composed, but ferociously backward at the moment. Tasted February 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011