1997 L'Eglise Clinet
By Chateau L'Eglise Clinet
1997 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 1997 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet represents an intriguing chapter in the storied tapestry of Bordeaux vintages. Navigating this year's particularity with aplomb, the wine draws on the benefits of its enviable Pomerol terroir to express a profile that intrigues investors and connoisseurs alike.
For those seeking an in-depth comparison of Bordeaux's finest years, explore our Bordeaux vintage chart for a comprehensive guide to the top Bordeaux vintages.
A Vintage Defined by Challenges and Triumphs
Amidst the capricious backdrop of the 1997 Bordeaux vintage, which saw climatic inconsistency from an auspicious start to early rains during harvest, the 1997 L'Eglise Clinet defies expectations by yielding wine of notable character. The resolve and expertise at Chateau L'Eglise Clinet have yielded dividends in this challenging year, extracting grace under pressure to produce a wine that offers robust investment potential.
The Essence of Elegance and Earthiness
In a vintage where selection was key, the 1997 L'Eglise Clinet exhibits a harmonious blend of Merlot’s plush plum and decadent chocolate notes with subtle traces of Cabernet Franc's fine-tuned floral aromatics and structured backbone. The palate conveys an elegant maturity with silken tannins, while earthy undertones reminiscent of truffles whisper stories of the Pomerolian clay in every sip.
The wine's graceful maturity presents as a gentle autumnal decline where fruit, once exuberant, now parades in a regal procession of complexity and nuanced depth. Investment-wise, this vintage stands as an astute reminder of Pomerol's sheer adaptability and Chateau L'Eglise Clinet's tenacious spirit.
Upon reflection, the 1997 L'Eglise Clinet portrays more than a mere memory of its birth year; it visibly reveals how meticulous craftsmanship can triumph in defiance of nature's twists. It is such vintages that captivate investors who appreciate not just the wine but also the story it embodies. And as one delves into this liquid tapestry weaved from 1997' s challenges, it becomes palpably clear that this offering from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet is imbued with both pedigree and promise.
Market price (USD)
$1,830.00
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
136.36
Scores and tasting notes
A concentrated, seductive, and age-worthy offering, this dark ruby/purple-colored 1997 possesses gorgeous symmetry, abundant quantities of seductive black raspberry and cherry fruit, full body, a fat, chewy mid-palate, and roasted blackberries, coffee, and toasty oak in the finish. A superb effort for the vintage, it can be drunk now (because of its low acidity and sweet tannin), or cellared for 15+ years. Bravo!
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #128 April 2000
Tasted single blind at FINE magazine's vertical in Dusseldorf. The Cabernet Franc comes through very strongly on the nose: chestnut, savoury fruit, smoked bacon. This is the youngest wine to show a little rusticity and perhaps just a touch of brett. The medium-bodied palate is well balanced and although there is very fine fruit concentration, the tannins are not as fine as more recent vintages and it becomes foursquare after time in the glass. Tasted February 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011
The Château l'Eglise-Clinet 1997, served from an ex-château magnum, is certainly more fruit-driven and backward than many bottles that I have tasted over the years. It does not have a complex bouquet, but it doles out attractive kirsch, wild strawberry and truffle notes like there is no tomorrow. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin and it is here that the limitations of the vintage are felt. It feels light and for this mighty Pomerol, just a little ephemeral for me. It has an easy-drinking style that is pleasant, but it's really just warming up for the 1998. Tasted March 2015.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 July 2016