Chateau L’Eglise Clinet 2009 |
| 98-100 |
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) |
The 2009 l'Eglise Clinet may eclipse some of the other efforts made by proprietor Denis Durantou over the years. Harvested between September 14 and 28, this blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc is a powerful, almost uber-concentrated wine that tastes like an elixir of Pomerol with an incredibly unctuous feel. This dense purple-colored 2009 (which achieved 14.5% natural alcohol) is extremely powerful, but that power is concealed beneath a mountain of glycerin, fruit, concentration, and body. The purity and richness are off the charts, and the silkiness of the tannins is ethereal. This extraordinary wine possesses extremely high levels of tannin, but according to Durantou, they have almost disappeared because of the wine's amazing depth and richness. It will undoubtedly need a decade of aging after bottling, but it should last for 50+. It is a modern day legend in the making. (Tasted two times.) Drink 2020-2070. |
| 96-98 |
Neal Martin (Wine Advocate) |
Picked between 14th and 28th September, a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, from a fresh sample opened half an hour before with the final assemblage, the L'Eglise-Clinet is adorned with a supremely intense bouquet, with ripe black fruits, black plum, black olive tapenade, a hint of liquorice and black truffle. Wonderful definition and sense of controlled power. The palate is full-bodied, voluminous in the mouth, an awesome structure, layers of mineral-rich black fruits counterpoised by a sense of weightless power towards the finish. In its own unique way, a monumental wine. Tasted April 2010. |
| 97-100 |
James Suckling (Wine Spectator) |
The nose on this already suggests a deep and contemplative wine with blackberry, dried flowers and sweet berries. Evolves to black olive and hints of asphalt. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and tangy, rich fruit. It really grabs hold of you and wants to tell you it's special. Loads of ripe tannins too. Big and structured. Turns to tapenade. |
| 17.5/20 |
Jancis Robinson |
Scented nose. Very rich and thick and polished. Fresh and expressive - lots of nervy fruit. Very lively and exciting and nervy - not unlike its maker. Still very tight though. Date tasted 29th March 2010. Drink 2018-2030. |
| 19/20 |
James Lawther MW (Decanter.com) |
Rich and dense but equally fresh and poised. Absolutely packed with fruit. Massive tannic frame but tannins smooth, voluptuous and suave. Aromatically reserved but clearly huge potential. Drink 2018-2045. |
|
