2022 L'Eglise Clinet Pomerol En Primeur

"The 2022 L'Eglise-Clinet was picked from 3 to 9 September for the Merlot and the Cabernet Franc on 5 and 9 September, matured in 85% new oak. It has an exquisitely-defined bouquet with succinct floral, pressed iris and clay notes percolating through the black fruit. With breathtaking focus, these scents seem to cast a spell over you. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins that frame the mineral-laden, peppery black fruit. There's not a hair out of place, exuding the essence of this Pomerol estate with an exceptionally long, intense and paradoxically tender finish. It's a wine that may leave you spellbound...just like this barrel sample." Drink 2032 - 2075

"While the second wine (La Petit-Église q.v.) stole my heart with its precocity, elegance and sheer class, this Grand Vin is a very different proposition altogether. It has every single one of the attributes I seek out in a legendary wine. It is very possible that this might be one of the wines of the vintage (I am writing this note on the morning of day three of seven days of tasting)! Where do I start? It is hard to process this wine emotionally as it summons up memories of many of the greatest expressions of this noble estate and other monumental red Bordeaux of my life. While it employs a model Pomerol recipe, a darkness and intensity, presumably from the tiny berries in this vintage, have increased the power of the skin-derived components here. This is a life-altering wine with a stunning nose and a devastatingly delicious palate. The amplitude of flavour and length are both incredible, but they are controlled, marshalled, regimented and epically refreshing. Dynamic, vital, vibrant and enchanting, this is my idea of a perfect wine. I felt so moved when I left this tasting, knowing that I had been privileged to taste one of the very first samples of what will one day, I imagine, be regarded as a monumental wine. I am pretty sure that the Durantou Reilhac family sense the greatness in this wine, too, but they are far too modest to presume, and this decency underpins the integrity of this hallowed estate."

"A contender for wine of the vintage, this Eglise Clinet is true to type. Dense and ripe black fruit is lightly spiced on the nose, offering nutmeg, clove and hot charcoal tones. The palate is full bodied and rich in structure with mouthcoating ripe tannins matched by dark but vibrant notes of cherry and cassis. Brooding and powerful, this is a Vin de Garde that is seriously impressive. Almost like a left bank wine, the tannic persistence is impressive in its balance to the intense fruit. Seductive wood smoke is a background tone, offering some added sweetness and spice. Cedary and long, this is an athletic wine - muscular with purpose and dynamic on the finish. Superb."