Description
In the 18th century, Clos L’Eglise with its 14 ha was a very large estate for Pomerol, ahead of a dozen Crus which formed and still form “the heart of Pomerol”. The history of Clos L’Eglise is linked to that of the vineyards “à Clinet”, a name that designates both place and ownership. The vineyard map by the engineer Belleyme indicated in 1764 that the strongest vineyard holding starts from la Conseillante and by Petit-Village widens to Trop Ennuie (Trotanoy) and Clinet. Later, the property was named Clos L’Eglise and, with divisions on inheritance, the estate was split in two, with the original estate, Clos L’Eglise (Rouchut family) on one side and Clos L’Eglise-Clinet (Mauléon family) on the other. There is, therefore, a centuries-old continuity of viticulture at Clos L’Eglise.
At the mere mention of its name, this garden-like terroir inspires grandeur. Clos l’Eglise is situated at the break in the Pomerol plateau, which is the origin of the most remarkable wines of the appellation. Nature is at work here and, given the right conditions, promises to express a masterpiece among masterpieces.
Hélène Garcin and Patrice Levêque cultivate this exceptional heritage today. The vision of this enthusiastic couple has allowed Clos l’Eglise to gradually regain the place it had a century ago, at the peak of the appellation. Their fascination for exceptional terroirs and their willingness to support them in giving the best they have to offer, here find the perfect opportunity to transcend themselves. This is why the work is done in a traditional way because, if fine terroir comes by chance, its rarity makes it a responsibility.
Dark color and good intensity. Fine nose, fruity floral and especially more than usual at this age, pure, ripe. Juicy on the entry mouth, very tasty in the middle, bold, flavorful, energy and tenderness, the wine goes in the final and persists over a violet notes in a beautiful length and texture heavy for the vintage. A great success.
It is an incredible charmer, evoking immediate pleasure and certain seduction. When it reveals its elegance, its roundness, its opulence it pays tribute to its origins, rare and inimitable. Clos l’Eglise is a philanthropist who leaves behind, on meeting, the persistent memory of a tender emotion.
Critical Acclaim
RP96
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2015 Clos l’Eglise was picked on 8, 14 and 23 September apropos the Merlot and the Cabernet Franc on 23 September. Co-proprietor Hélène Garçin-Léveque told me that for the first time, Clos l’Eglise was one of the first Pomerols to be picked since they felt that the grapes were fully ripe. So why wait? That clearly is vindicated by the bouquet with ebullient, ripe blackberry and wild strawberry fruit, almost Burgundy-like in terms of its purity. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine, tensile tannin, brimming over with energy, tightly packed towards the more linear finish than usual. This is a Clos l’Eglise built for long-term bottle ageing, though I suspect it will actually come round a little earlier than usual. A wonderful Pomerol, almost understated, but full of personality. Barrel Sample: 94-96
JS94
James Suckling
A tight and focused red with blackberry, dark-chocolate and hazelnut aromas and flavors, which follow through to a full body. Integrated and round tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs three or four years to soften but very focused and precise. Structured. Try in 2021.
WS92
Wine Spectator
A polished, rounded style, with a friendly licorice and singed vanilla frame around a core of warm cherry and plum compote flavors. Gains some juicy energy through the finish, with the fruit showing ample persistence. Best from 2021 through 2032.
D92
Decanter
Aromatic complexity on the nose with a Burgundian nuance. The palate is fresh, fragrant and caressing, then powerful tannins provide plenty of length and drive on the finish.
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