Château L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, 2016
Denis' grand vin is exactly that, large-scale and profound, without being heavy or cumbersome. Far from it, it is seamless and taut with wonderful energy. Initially it is a bit reticent, but with aeration one can begin to inspect this deeply complex and staggeringly beautiful Eglise Clinet. Notes of stones, pebbles, complex minerals, fine cigar tobacco, cocoa nibs, pure wild plum and olallieberry. It continues to grow in the glass revealing new nuances and more sweetness of fruit and strawberry liqueur notes. There is a grace and sophistication here, as well as a purity that is so engaging, you just don't want to put the glass down. Make no mistake, this is seamless and elegant, and one is left with the sense of freshness and vitality, but this is a large-scale, impressive Eglise Clinet built for the long-term. A taut and very handsome Eglise Clinet. 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.
critic reviews
The 2016 L'Eglise-Clinet is more high-toned on the nose, with inky black and blueberry fruit, more floral and less developed compared to others in this blind flight. The palate is medium-bodied with velvety tannins, perhaps a little lower in acidity than its peers, with impressive weight and density, although not the most complex. It needs just a bit more personality to come through. There are much better bottles than this one, hence the question mark. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.