2008 L'Eglise-Clinet, Pomerol

“On the nose, the l’Eglise-Clinet 2008 is much broodier and introspective than its peers, the Cabernet Franc imparting seductive truffle and undergrowth aromas. It displays impressive intensity, a nose that is full of character. The palate is full-bodied with lush, saturated tannins that belie a firm backbone. This Pomerol has impressive acidity and depth: “spherical” at first, but those tannins come through with time in the glass. It has beautifully integrated oak with a seamless, classy finish. This is an enigmatic, alluring Pomerol wine. (NM)” (05/2012)

“A smokier expression than most, this is hugely enjoyable and still intense in colour on its 10th birthday. Expect layers of juicy, succulent black cherry with graphite, and just a hint of black truffle that should develop more over the next decade. Great depth of flavour that stretches out through the palate. (JA)” (12/2017)

“The 2008 l’Eglise-Clinet was picked 1 to 6 October and matured in 80% new oak. It has a very refined and detailed bouquet that is less powerful than the 2009 or 2010, yet there is wonderful articulation of the terroir here, dusky black fruit laced with black truffle and a touch of undergrowth. It is the most recent vintage that suggests moving onto secondary aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, grippy in the mouth, fresh and vibrant with an almost chalky finish. This certainly deserves to be part of the 2008/2009/2010 triumvirate and it is furnished with a beautiful mineral-driven aftertaste. The insider’s choice? Most certainly. (NM)” (07/2019)