2005 L'Eglise Clinet
By Chateau L'Eglise Clinet
2005 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 2005 vintage of Bordeaux remains one of the most extraordinary and lauded years in recent memory, and the 2005 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet is a resplendent testament to that glorious summer. Having had the privilege to follow this wine since its barrel tastings, its evolution has been nothing short of glorious.
A Vintage of Pedigree and Precision
The 2005 growing season graced Pomerol with optimal conditions, a perfect confluence of sunny days and cool nights resulted in fully ripened Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes that retained essential acidity. This is wonderfully captured in this intense, yet elegantly structured wine. The 2005 L'Eglise Clinet, now at its apogee, continues to enchant with a bouquet that entails a melange of ripe blackberries, tobacco, and hint of truffle – an olfactory ballet quintessential to the finest Pomerols.
Finery and Fortitude: The Heart of Investment Potential
On the palate, the expertly interwoven tannins have matured into a velvety canvas, upon which flavours such as dark chocolate, cherries, and a wisp of aniseed paint a masterful picture. It demonstrates the consummate balance found in only the most meticulously crafted examples from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet.
The 2005 L'Eglise Clinet goes beyond a mere exquisite sip; it represents a compelling opportunity for oenophiles and fine wine investors. Its formidable ageing potential signals not just profound enjoyment but an astute addition to any curated portfolio. Pomerol connoisseurs recognise the 2005 vintage as one poised for sustained desirability in the market – a genuine asset in liquid form.
In summary, those seeking validation for why Pomerol imparts such reverence in viticulture need look no further than the enigmatic 2005 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet. It encapsulates a culmination of superb viticultural conditions with winemaking brilliance, bearing all the hallmarks for sustained applause amidst collectors and investors alike.
Market price (HKD)
HK$35,050.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
183.5
Scores and tasting notes
A sensational effort from proprietor Denis Durantou, this 2005 is a compelling wine, but purchasers should wait at least a decade to begin the magical liquid tour. One of the monumental wines of the vintage, it boasts a dense purple color as well as a glorious perfume of caramelized blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, a hint of toast in the backward, fully integrated oak, full body, and exceptional density and richness. Prodigiously concentrated, this layered, broad Pomerol reveals a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol, and wood. It is a massive, yet remarkably elegant wine that is as singular as it is exhilarating. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2040.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176 April 2008
Tasted single blind at FINE magazine’s vertical in Dusseldorf. This has a ravishing sweet, decadent bouquet: very pure and more Merlot dominated than Cabernet Franc. There is a lot of puppy fat on this wine. The palate is full-bodied with succulent tannins, very supple and generous, layers of pure blackberry, cassis, a touch of bergamot and tobacco, brilliant delineation towards the finish that has extraordinary length. Tasted February 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011
The Château l'Eglise-Clinet 2005 was served from bottle and from magnum (both ex-cellar). It has a magnificent nose with bewitching delineation: darker fruit than either the 2003 or 2004, blackberry, raspberry, hints of black tea and black truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with brilliant focus, still quite backward as so many grandees of this vintage remain, albeit beginning to soften towards the licorice-tinged finish. This is a benchmark for both Denis Durantou and this Pomerol estate, although I can see it testing wine-lovers' patience. Tasted March 2015.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 July 2016
This is an elegant wine with wonderful length and beauty. Full yet reserved, showing loads of complexity. This is just starting to show its colors, but still needs at least eight years. Don’t touch this until 2018. Please be patient with this one. 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, May 29th 2012