Chateau L’Eglise Clinet, Pomerol

The most famous of the Pomerol “Clinets”, L’Eglise Clinet has been run by the Durantou family for 5 generations. It was the wonderful Denis Durantou who catapulted this château skywards when he took over in 1983. He very sadly died in 2020, but he leaves behind him an incredible legacy. This tiny flagship estate, now considered one of the superstars of Pomerol, is just over 4 hectares in size and is in the very capable hands of two of Denis’ daughters, Noémie and Constance, who continue to manage the property and build on their father’s brilliant winemaking.

“One of the greatest wines of the vintage is, not surprisingly, from proprietor Denis Durantou. A remarkable effort in every sense, the 2006 l’Eglise Clinet is not far off the quality of the prodigious 2005. Its inky/ruby/purple color is accompanied by a powerful nose of mocha, caramelized red and black fruits, smoke, graphite, and truffle. Massive and rich with full-bodied power, excellent focus and definition, and moderately high tannin, this is an “outlier” for the vintage (as Malcolm Gladwell would say) with unbelievable length and richness. Unfortunately, patience will be essential as it needs a minimum of 5-6 years of cellaring. It will age effortlessly for three decades. Drink through 2044. (RP) ” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate