2006 L'Eglise Clinet
By Chateau L'Eglise Clinet
2006 L'Eglise Clinet from Château L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
An illustrious offering from the mercurial landscape of Pomerol, the 2006 L'Eglise Clinet is a testament to the artistry and alchemy attainable in Bordeaux's truly superlative plots. My relationship with this wine started somewhat fortuitously, uncovering its distinct expression through myriad tastings over my career.
Refined Elegance: A Wine of Pedigree
The Pomerol enclave has long been synonymous with Merlot of finesse and power, yet the 2006 L'Eglise Clinet strides ahead with commendable poise. This vintage surges forth from Dénis Durantou’s beloved Château L'Eglise Clinet; a name that nudges connotations of precision and an unwavering commitment to quality amidst the idyllic setting of Bordeaux.
Vintage Virtues: The 2006 Narrative
While meteorologically less notorious than surrounding years, 2006 proffered a quieter charm of its own – a brooding sibling to the exuberant 2005 and precociously ripe 2009 vintages. The season started tentatively with a wet spring but matured into a warm summer, finely balanced by a mild August which allowed for measured ripening. What transpired was the craftsmanship of a stellar Pomerol ensemble – tender fruit maturity interlaced with poised tannins.
The hallmark of the 2006 vintage lies in its slow bloom on the palate: notes of black cherry and truffle envelop the senses, later unfolding into complex threads of earthiness spliced with hints of tobacco and an undercurrent of minerality unique to this terroir. A polished frame of oak gently supports without ever overwhelming these diverse characteristics; indeed, it is the sure-footed balance that maintains its investment merit.
Closing Reflections
In summing up this nectarous sojourn, one finds in the 2006 L'Eglise Clinet from Château L'Eglise Clinet, an embodiment of Pomerol's noble terra firma encased within a gracefully ageing vessel. Its eloquent evolution since bottling beckons continued attention both for sensory indulgence and astute investment contemplation.
Market price (SGD)
$2,280.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
85.63
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted single blind at FINE magazine’s vertical in Dusseldorf. This has a more floral bouquet where the oak needs more time to integrate. Black cherries, crushed stone, just a touch of cassis. With further aeration, there is a curious clayey note that transfers straight to the Pomerol vineyard. The palate is full-bodied, very concentrated with pure blackberry, macerated black cherries and a touch of lemon rind; very good tension towards the finish that does not quite have the peacocks tail at the moment. That will come with time. Tasted February 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château L'Eglise-Clinet has a killer bouquet: intense black and red fruit, crushed rose petals, a touch of potters wheel and dried herbs. It possesses one of the classiest aromatics in the Pomerol appellation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, dense dark berry fruit laced with black tea, dried herbs and a touch of juniper, gently building towards a lightly spiced, dense finish with impressive substance. This is a long-term Pomerol that needs another 3-4 years in bottle. Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2016
One of the greatest wines of the vintage is, not surprisingly, from proprietor Denis Durantou. A remarkable effort in every sense, the 2006 l’Eglise Clinet is not far off the quality of the prodigious 2005. Its inky/ruby/purple color is accompanied by a powerful nose of mocha, caramelized red and black fruits, smoke, graphite, and truffle. Massive and rich with full-bodied power, excellent focus and definition, and moderately high tannin, this is an “outlier” for the vintage (as Malcolm Gladwell would say) with unbelievable length and richness. Unfortunately, patience will be essential as it needs a minimum of 5-6 years of cellaring. It will age effortlessly for three decades.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #181 Feb 2009