2008 L'Eglise Clinet
By Chateau L'Eglise Clinet
The 2008 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
In the rather avant-garde world of fine Bordealais wine, few estates possess the charm and profundity of Pomerol's Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, particularly when one considers the mercurial 2008 vintage. This year stood as testament to the resilience and skill found in this corner of France, where time-honoured tradition often grapples with climatological fickleness.
Refinement and Poise: A Vintage Triumph
The 2008 vintage fell under the auspices of a cool growing season that initially provoked concern but was salvaged by a gloriously dry and warm September. This unforeseen twist conferred upon the grapes an extraordinary balance of acidity and maturity that the discerning investor would be wise to note.
A Symphony of Complex Aromatics
The 2008 L'Eglise Clinet articulates its narrative with an eloquent yet confidently powerful voice. A bouquet brimming with truffles, hints of earthy minerality, and ripe dark cherries ensnares the senses—an enthralling prelude to a palate exhibiting a vigorous display of dark fruit anchored by robust tannins. And yet, there is an undercurrent of grace, a silk-threaded structure that betrays its agile handling of such a challenging season.
One might well argue that this vintage reveals itself not just as a collectable artefact from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet's repertoire but also as an astute acquisition for the portfolio that seeks both pleasure and providence in equal measure.
Ageing Gracefully: A Testament to Time
The wine's ageing potential is impressive; it unwinds with dignity and continues to present new facets of its persona. Now in its adolescence, it is an intriguing time to appreciate the ongoing evolution, yet it holds promise for a magnetic maturity when cellared with patience.
Endowed with such distinctive features, the 2008 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet undeniably represents one of Pomerol's more compelling narratives from an erratic year. This vintage firmly holds its ground amid investment-grade wines, offering both taste-driven hedonists and savvy investors substantial delight and potential yield.
Market price (USD)
$1,670.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
80
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. On the nose, the l'Eglise-Clinet 2008 is much broodier and introspective than its peers, the Cabernet Franc imparting seductive truffle and undergrowth aromas. It displays impressive intensity, a nose that is full of character. The palate is full-bodied with lush, saturated tannins that belie a firm backbone. This Pomerol has impressive acidity and depth: 'spherical' at first, but those tannins come through with time in the glass. It has beautifully integrated oak with a seamless, classy finish. This is an enigmatic, alluring Pomerol wine. Tasted January 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012
A remarkable wine in this vintage, L'Eglise Clinet's 2008 has a color almost as dark as the barrel sample of 2010. Classic mocha and caramel-infused creme de cassis and black cherry notes, with hints of licorice and loamy soil soar from the glass of this opaque ruby/purple, aromatically compelling wine. Opulent, expansive, and savory, with a broad texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel, terrific purity and a layered finish, this is another big, massive wine that transcends the vintage character, and will probably need 7-10 years of bottle age. It should keep for 20 or more years as well.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194 May 2011
A remarkable wine in this vintage, L’Eglise Clinet’s 2008 has a color almost as dark as the barrel sample of 2010. Classic mocha and caramel-infused creme de cassis and black cherry notes, with hints of licorice and loamy soil soar from the glass of this opaque ruby/purple, aromatically compelling wine. Opulent, expansive, and savory, with a broad texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel, terrific purity and a layered finish, this is another big, massive wine that transcends the vintage character, and will probably need 7-10 years of bottle age. It should keep for 20 or more years as well.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 1 May 2011
A dusty and sensual wine with beautiful perfumes of blackberries, blueberries, minerals, and flowers. Full bodied, but very delicate and refined with ultra-fine tannins and a gorgeous finish. Try it in four to five years.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, December 20th 2010