2011 L'Eglise Clinet
By Chateau L'Eglise Clinet
2011 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
In the tapestry of Bordeaux's illustrious viticulture, the 2011 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet manifests as a vintage of palpable charm and character amidst the challenges that marked this year in Pomerol.
An Enduring Class Act: A Testament to Terroir and Tenacity
The 2011 season faced unforeseen hurdles. Despite an initially promising spring, the whims of nature introduced a testing summer. Yet, Chateau L'Eglise Clinet drew upon its venerable terroir and skilful vintners to transcend the climatic constraints. As such, this vintage is a testament to their tenacity; the wine embodies the meticulous care afforded to it both on the vine and in the cellar.
The Mastery behind 2011 L'Eglise Clinet: An Oenophilic Odyssey
Defying the volatility of its nascent season, 2011 L'Eglise Clinet exudes finesse with an enchanting bouquet of ripe red and black fruits layered with subtle earthy nuances. The palate evolves gracefully as one dives deeper into its complexity—cassis and plums making way for hints of truffle and tobacco, supported by a framework of rounded tannins and well-judged acidity.
Equipped with considerable structure yet remaining seamless in its textural finesse, this wine encapsulates the marriage between power and elegance—a hallmark of Pomerol's most compelling offerings.
A sage choice for fine wine investors seeking a Bordeaux with notable provenance and potential longevity, the 2011 L'Eglise Clinet offers an investment opportunity with grace and gravitas. Reflective of its growing season's trials and triumphs, it is a redoubtable prodigy from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, ready to unfurl its splendour over time.
As I reflect on this consummate blend of predominantly Merlot with a watchful complement of Cabernet Franc, I am enticed by its continuously revealing layers—each glass promises an evolving narrative that ought to enrapture any connoisseur with an affinity for subtlety interwoven into strength.
In essence, this 2011 L'Eglise Clinet stands as one of Pomerol's quietly confident contributions to Bordeaux's vinous legacy; it presents an opportunity—nay, an entreaty—for those poised to appreciate wine not simply as a beverage but as an experience steered by history, humanity, and horticulture in harmonious concert.
Market price (USD)
$1,140.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
62
Scores and tasting notes
With a dense ruby/purple color is followed by a pure nose of mulberries, cherry liqueur and spring flowers, but no hint of oak, this full-bodied, opulent, rich beauty exhibits impressive purity, texture, richness and length. Not as structured or tannic as Trotanoy, it moves more in the direction of the opulence and flashy, showy fruit of Hosanna and Petrus. It should drink well for 15-20 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2014
With a dense ruby/purple color is followed by a pure nose of mulberries, cherry liqueur and spring flowers, but no hint of oak, this full-bodied, opulent, rich beauty exhibits impressive purity, texture, richness and length. Not as structured or tannic as Trotanoy, it moves more in the direction of the opulence and flashy, showy fruit of Hosanna and Petrus. It should drink well for 15-20 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #212 Apr 2014
Tasted at the property, Denis Durantou cannot really do wrong these days. The l’Eglise-Clinet 2011 was cropped between 12th and 15th September and the Cabernet Franc on 24th September, a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc being aged in 80% new oak. The nose is very elegant bouquet once left to unfurl over 10 minutes. It offers dark cherry fruits with touches of cassis and minerals: all very refined and poised. The palate is very well balanced with great precision on the entry. The Merlot is very expressive this year. The tannins are supremely fine and the finish linear and strict, offering traces of briary and minerals. There is a lovely femininity and sense of drinkability about this harmonious l’Eglise-Clinet that should be a worthy follow-up to the heavenly 2010. Tasted April 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012
A wine that has a lovely depth of fruit and balance for the vintage, with blackberry, licorice and dark-chocolate character. Full and very silky. Very impressive. What a wonderful wine for the vintage. Full of finesse. Better in 2016.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 20th 2014