1996 L'Eglise Clinet
By Chateau L'Eglise Clinet
1996 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
As a beacon of Bordeaux brilliance, the 1996 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet continues to cast its storied spell upon the wine investment sphere with its majestic evolution. Graced by the harmonious symphony of exceptional savoir-faire and one of the most remarkable terroirs in Pomerol, this vintage stands as a testament to the estate’s steadfast commitment to quality.
A Vintage That Speaks Volumes
The year 1996 is often heralded as one that brought joy and jubilation to savvy collectors and enthusiasts alike, particularly for the Merlot-driven vintages of Pomerol. It was a year marked by a favourable growing season that adeptly balanced warmth and rain, giving rise to a harvest that showcased both ripeness and structure in equilibrium.
The palate of the 1996 L'Eglise Clinet is a rich tapestry woven with ripe blackberries, plums, and a tantalising trace of truffle. The enduring tannins signal an impressive potential for further maturation, all the while offering an approachable finesse that resonates with complexity.
An Object of Desire
The investment allure of the 1996 vintage emanates not just from its drinking pleasure, but also its rarity as time marches on. Within this bottle lies a resonant complexity and an aging grace that is encapsulated rarely in Pomerol's oeuvre.
With every passing year, connoisseurs seek out this particular marque for its unwavering quality and reliability from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet—a benchmark producer. The 1996 vintage stands as a paragon among its peers; it’s one of the shining exemplars of why Pomerol retains esteemed stature in the echelons of fine wine.
In parting notes, this vintage not only captivates but promises an expedition through Pomerol's best attributes. For those inclined towards wines that marry strength with silken subtlety, the 1996 L'Eglise Clinet embodies classic Pomerol panache and serves as a pivotal point of interest for those refining their collections with pedigreed investments.
Market price (GBP)
£1,840.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
141.54
Scores and tasting notes
One of the few profound Pomerols in 1996, l'Eglise-Clinet turned out an uncommonly rich, concentrated wine that is performing well from bottle, even though it is displaying a more tightly-knit structure than it did from cask. The dark ruby/purple color is followed by notes of charcoal, jammy cassis, raspberries, and a touch of sur-maturite. Spicy oak emerges as the wine sits in the glass. It is fat, concentrated, and medium to full-bodied, with a layered, multidimensional, highly nuanced personality. This muscular Pomerol will require 3-5 years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #122 April 1999
The Château l'Eglise-Clinet 1996 has a more open bouquet than the 1995, and it still has that almost Burgundy-like purity and (for this Pomerol cru) a lightness of touch. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, grainy tannins and good acidity, though there is a touch of austerity and dryness towards the finish, which makes me think that it will be best enjoyed over the next ten years. Tasted March 2015.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 July 2016
Tasted single blind at FINE magazine's vertical in Dusseldorf. There has a lovely, opulent, almost Burgundian bouquet in terms of its purity and verve. There is a pastille quality to the aromatics: strawberry and raspberry mixed with a touch of crushed stone. Very fine delineation. The palate is sweet on the entry with notes of mulberry, cedar, blackberry and a little white pepper. It is well balanced, concentrated, harmonious and it is just starting to melt towards the soft caressing finish. This is a good wine for a Pomerol '96. Tasted February 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011