2013 L'Eglise Clinet
By Chateau L'Eglise Clinet
2013 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 2013 vintage at the renowned Chateau L'Eglise Clinet in Pomerol defies the challenging growing season presented by Mother Nature. Against the backdrop of a mercurial year weather-wise, this revered terroir, managed by the talented Denis Durantou, has exuded a breathtaking demonstration of resilience and mastery in winemaking.
The Quintessence of Elegance in a Tumultuous Year
The 2013 L'Eglise Clinet is a testament to the estate's relentless pursuit of quality despite the year's capricious clime—a soprano amidst a chorus. In contrast to robust vintages, this offering is characterised by its elegance and poise. It reveals an aromatic palette that traverses from succulent dark fruits to hints of truffle and wet earth—a mosaic that subtly changes with each swirl of the glass.
An Investable Wine that Speaks of Its Terroir
For collectors and fine wine investors alike, the 2013 L'Eglise Clinet speaks volumes about the investment-worthy nature of Chateau L'Eglise Clinet. Given its provenance and poise, it stands as a distinguished addition to any discerning portfolio. What it might ostensibly lack in power, it compensates for with a finesse that could only emerge from such a storied plot as Pomerol.
The palate is balanced, with the merlot-driven suppleness counterpoised by fine-grained tannins and an acid line echoing the wine's freshness. The finish lingers with grace, reminding one of old-world sophistication—a nod perhaps to the resourceful vignerons who flourished in times past.
Available quantities of the 2013 L'Eglise Clinet are finite, certainly more so than its enduring charm. This is a vintage that harmonises complexity with drinkability—a narrative sewn through each bottle that will continue to enchant palates and enhance wine cellars for years to come.
In summary, while 2013 may not be heralded as a flagship year for Bordeaux, there are always exceptions that break away from generalisations. The 2013 L'Eglise Clinet from Chateau L'Eglise Clinet is one such rebel—it wields its idiosyncrasies with noble grace, placing it amongst those earnest vintages which offer both intrigue and value to those who look beyond the blanket vintages' reputations.
Market price (USD)
$1,230.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
67.33
Scores and tasting notes
The Grand Vin is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked between 27 September and 2 October. It delivers 13.5% alcohol, a degree less than last year. The Merlot comes through very strongly on the nose with pure scents of cranberry and wild strawberry, dried violet petals and a touch of sous-bois It is very well defined although not as complex as a top-flight l'Eglise-Clinet. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky entry that does not hesitate in caressing the palate, the oak succinct and deftly interwoven. There is not a huge depth here, but rather great tension and precision, a hint of citrus peel. This is already utterly seductive. One day, Denis might make a L'Eglise-Clinet that does not incite superlatives. I might be waiting a long time. If you do insist on buying one 2013 en primeur, then make it this one. Tasted April 2014.
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Wine Journal
The 2013 L'Eglise Clinet has a very precise, tightly wound bouquet with limestone-tinged, brambly red berry fruit, the Merlot still very expressive and imparting comely floral scents. There is something almost Burgundy-like about the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin surrounding a core of citrus-fresh, lively red fruit, silky smooth in texture, approachable in style, with an almost symmetrical finish. This was a great L'Eglise-Clinet in barrel in the context of the vintage and it remains a very persuasive wine in bottle. Bravo Denis Durantou - a winemaker that can overcome even the most deplorable of growing seasons!
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
A 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc blend from the Plateau of Pomerol near the church, the wine has an inky/purple color, a sweet kiss of mulberry and black cherry liqueurs, interwoven with licorice, truffle, a hint of melted road tar and background spice and oak. The wine is opulent, medium to full-bodied and unquestionably a tour de force for this vintage. Kudos to Durantou. If you can find it, this is clearly one of the candidates for the wine of the vintage and a real star. Drink from 2018-2027.
It-s no surprise that perfectionist/meticulous proprietor Denis Durantou has turned out one of the best wines of the vintage. Harvested September 27-October 6, only 10,000 bottles were produced in this tiny yielding vintage that also required a draconian-like selection process to keep the best fruit under the top label.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #214 Aug 2014