Bordeaux 2024: L’Eglise Clinet and friends

It’s become our custom to begin our annual April barrel tastings at Ch. L’Eglise-Clinet. Starting there this year probably gave us a slightly warped view of the vintage, such was the natural ripeness of the wines, the alcohols around 13.5% without any chaptalisation – an achievement quite uncommon in 2024. In fact, winemaker Noëmie Durantou Reilhac likens this vintage “to the 2015 but with finesse”.

The whole range is wonderful, from the juicy, engaging Saintayme, to the glorious Cruzelles, the fragrant and complex Montlandrie, a sumptuous Petite Eglise and of course, the spectacular Grand Vin, L’Eglise-Clinet, one of the most profound wines of the vintage. There’s intensity and tension in equal measure. Power, nerve, and finesse; this is a stunning Pomerol, which will delight drinkers for many decades.

“The 2024 L'Eglise-Clinet was picked on September 21, 23 and 24 apropos the Merlot and September 23, 24 and 28 for the Cabernet Franc, which constitutes 10% of the blend. It matured in 85% new oak (90% Darnajou and 10% Taransaud). This takes time to unfurl generous black cherry, mint and cassis aromas that blossom in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with chiseled tannins that frame the mineral-driven black fruit. It's not the most powerful L'Eglise-Clinet I have ever tasted at this stage, but you have to admire the manner in which this just builds toward the finish whilst retaining poise and tension. The 2024 is a wonderful Pomerol that will age effortlessly in bottle. 2030 – 2060” 94-96/100 – Neal Martin, vinous.com

“Really impressive concentration for the vintage with dusty tannins that give density and intensity. Medium-bodied, this shows dark fruit and chocolate plus walnut and hazelnut undertones. Juicy and flavorful but always in reserve. Winemaker Noemie Durantou Reilhac likens it to the 2015 but with finesse. 90% merlot and the rest cabernet franc.” 97-98/100 – James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

“The 2024 L'Eglise-Clinet is brilliant and intensely aromatic in its first impression. Vibrant red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, cedar and rose petal soar from the glass. Readers will find a vertical, explosive L'Eglise-Clinet that impresses with its poise and balance. The 2024 deftly marries finesse and power to a degree I have seldom seen here in the past. Superb. 2034 – 2054” 95-97/100 – Antonio Galloni, vinous.com