2001 L'Eglise Clinet
By Chateau L'Eglise Clinet
2001 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
In the firmament of Bordeaux's elite, the 2001 vintage from Pomerol invariably commands reverence, and within this hallowed constellation, the 2001 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet emerges with a particularly celestial gleam. A vintage that transcends the boundaries of time with its robust composition and unassailable grace – it is a wine that whispers of both the earth and the artisan's deft hand.
A Remarkable Harvest Shaping an Excellent Investment
As one dissects the nuances of the 2001 L'Eglise Clinet, what is evident is the capacity for supple maturity that this vintage has embraced. A not overbearingly hot summer complemented by an optimal autumn gifted us with grapes achieving impeccable balance. This equilibrium allowed Denis Durantou, the esteemed winemaker, to craft a vintage with poise - delineating it from prior years where less clement weather patterns left a heavier imprint on the character of other Pomerols.
A Vibrant Testament to Craft and Terroir
The level of adroitness in blending Merlot and Cabernet Franc has culminated in a tapestry rich with ripe plum, truffle and an undercurrent of dark chocolate decadence - a concordance best appreciated with years tucked beneath its belt. On release, the 2001 L'Eglise Clinet was highly praised for its precision and depth, and now, after decades of careful cellaring, it unfurls upon the palate with silky tannins and a complex structure that denotes not merely a wine, but art in liquid form.
The investment pedigree of the 2001 L'Eglise Clinet remains unchallenged; a jugendstil artifact among its peers. With collector interest still high and quantities dwindling, this storied nectar embodies an opportunity for connoisseurs and investors alike. Indeed, for those whose portfolio seeks diversification through wines of exceptional stature, 2001 L'Eglise Clinet represents not just an acquisition but an heirloom.
The Epitome of Elegance in a Weather-Written Vintage
Navigating through two decades comes the 2001 L'Eglise Clinet as an ode to both nature's caprices and human craftsmanship. With each glass poured, one cannot help but appreciate the marriage between meticulous vinification techniques and a patient maturation process that elevate this formidable Pomerol. Secure your piece of viticultural magnificence with this exemplary vintage from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet – an astute addition to any discriminating collection or investment portfolio.
Market price (SGD)
$3,150.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
126
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 10-Year On horizontal. A dark garnet colour, this has a lovely nose, a deep well of dark berried fruits with superbly integrated oak. Very fine delineation with touch of raspberry and crushed strawberry, an underlying mineralite really coming through. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, real backbone here with strong Cabernet Franc lending touches of bell pepper and leafiness towards the long, complex finish. Still very tight, this will benefit from further bottle age. Tasted March 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011
A wine with layers of aromas of licorice, dark chocolate and berries. Violets. Full to medium body with very fine tannins and a long finish. Just coming around. Pure pleasure.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, August 13th 2013
A brilliant effort (one of the vintage’s most substantial wines), proprietor Denis Durantou has turned in a tour de force in 2001. Sadly, there are only 1,500 cases of this 85% Merlot / 15% Cabernet Franc blend (from vines averaging 40 years of age). This beauty boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a glorious nose of red and black fruits, flowers, sweet oak, and hints of licorice as well as truffles. Opulent, medium to full-bodied, concentrated, tannic, and persistent on the palate (the finish lasts 40 seconds), give it 2-4 years of cellaring, and drink it between 2007-2020.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #153 June 2004
The Château l'Eglise-Clinet 2001, which was served from magnum, is a worthy follow-up to the millennial release and might be unfairly overshadowed by it. The 2001 has a slightly lighter and more feminine bouquet, but it delivers the same level of beguiling delineation and crystalline raspberry and cranberry fruit. This has a Burgundy-like purity, very harmonious in the mouth with very fine acidity. There is a sense of harmony interwoven into this Pomerol—a gentle build towards the lightly spiced, truffle-tinged finish that will put a smile on any wine-lover's face. One of the prettiest wines under Denis Durantou's reign, it might not have the prowess of the 2000, but it has plenty of class. Tasted March 2015.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 July 2016