2012 L'Eglise Clinet
By Chateau L'Eglise Clinet
2012 L'Église Clinet from Château L'Église Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The Pomerol region, with its intimate scale and exceptional terroir, has long been a crucible for some of Bordeaux's most profound and collectable wines. The 2012 vintage from Château L'Église Clinet epitomises the resilience and charm that Pomerol's winemakers have coaxed from their vines during a year that challenged even the most skilled vignerons.
2012: A Vintage Carved by Contrast
The 2012 season in Pomerol was marked by contrasts; a cool and damp spring was followed by a warm, arid late season. These conditions demanded deft skill in the vineyard to ensure the Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes ripened optimally. The estate's diligence bore fruit in a vintage of wine with appreciable structure and longevity.
Decoding the Distinctiveness of 2012 L'Église Clinet
With an artist's touch, the Château has crafted a wine resplendent in its depth and complexity. The nose is a tapestry of dark plums, blackberries, and hints of truffle - indicative of the concentrated Merlot which forms the majority of the blend. Notes of clove and cigar box denote the judicious use of oak, complementing rather than overwhelming the wine’s inherent character.
On the palate, there is an exquisite tension between ripe, rounded tannins and refreshing acidity - a fine balance that enhances the wine’s elegance. This equilibrium speaks to an underlying strength and potential for evolution, making it a cellar-worthy choice for discerning wine investors seeking both longevity and finesse in their collections.
A Sophisticated Addition To Any Investment Portfolio
For investors seeking to cultivate an enviable collection, this wine represents not just a bottle, but a testament to Pomerol's fortitude in challenging vintages. In the glass, it narrates the year's journey - from drought and difficulty to expertly nurtured opulence. For the foresighted, the 2012 L'Église Clinet is poised to mature magnificently over time.
Savouring this wine is akin to experiencing a symphony of flavour; complex yet harmonious, with each element contributing to a perfect ensemble. A compelling choice for your cellar, it promises highly rewarding returns – both sensory and financial – as it gracefully matures in the years to come. Indeed, this vintage is poised to continue rising in esteem as its full narrative unfolds in the bottle.
Market price (USD)
$2,450.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
111.67
Scores and tasting notes
long with Petrus, the 2012 l'Eglise Clinet is the potential wine of the vintage. An amazing tour de force in winemaking, the wine's inky/purple color is accompanied by copious notes of spring flowers, creme de cassis, kirsch liqueur, truffles, caramels and graphite. Full-bodied with enormous concentration, the purity, exquisite balance and sheer gravitas and palate presence of this massive yet phenomenally compelling Pomerol are something to behold. Kudos to l'Eglise Clinet. This wine will be approachable in 4-5 years, and last for three decades or more. An amazing performance from proprietor Denis Durantou, this blend of 85% Merlot (harvested between September 21 and October 4) and 15% Cabernet Franc (harvested October 6) hits all the sweet spots in the olfactory senses as well as on the more crude palate.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206
The Grand Vin was picked between 21 September and 4th October for the Merlot, with the Cabernet Franc picked on 6th October. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc (aged in 80% new oak) it has Burgundy-like minerality and purity on the nose that is taciturn at first, but blossoms nicely in the glass whilst maintaining a sense of restraint and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with very pure fruit and a silky texture. The acidity is extremely well judged, the Cabernet Franc lending this wine just a touch of edginess. There is sublime focus on the mineral-laden finish. One day, Denis Durantou will make a wine that does not merit a stream of superlatives. But that day seems a long way away. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
A gorgeous wine from proprietor Denis Durantou, this blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc is an inky purple color, with gorgeous purity of black raspberries, blackcurrants and blackberry with a hint of truffle and spring flowers. Its is full-bodied, opulent and a tour de force in this vintage. Great presence on the palate, fabulous purity and a long finish make for a magnificent bottle of wine to drink over the next 20-some years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2015
This really builds at the end of the palate, which clearly shows it’s top notch. It’s full-bodied, and grows on the palate ever so steadily. Lovely berry, chocolate, and hazelnut character. Goes on for a minutes. This has wonderful tannin tension for the vintage. Better than 2011.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com