Critic Review
A Century of Bordeaux: The Twos (Sep 2022)
The 2012 l'Eglise-Clinet is well-defined on the nose: blackberry, cassis, touches of wild mint and violet. This is very Margaux-like. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, fleshy and ripe, good density and concentration. One of the most flamboyant 2012s in the line-up, this has so much purity on the finish. Gorgeous. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
Neal Martin - 95
A Century of Bordeaux: The Twos (Sep 2022)
The 2012 l'Eglise-Clinet has a hedonistic nose with plush red fruit, blueberry, white pepper and clove, more liquorice scents emerging with time. A second bottle at Bordeaux Index's tasting demonstrates a little more refinement. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity, very harmonious with a slightly granular texture. Brown spices, a touch of leather, quite structured on the finish, yet this feels mature. Drink now, but it has the substance to keep for a number of years. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
Neal Martin - 94
Precious Clay: L’Eglise-Clinet 1929–2015 (Jul 2019)
The 2012 l’Eglise-Clinet was picked 21 September to 4 October for the Merlot and on 6 October for the Cabernet Franc. This is one of my favorite recent vintages. It is so vivacious and well defined on the disarming nose with pretty red cherry and strawberry aromas, crushed stone, smoke and wilted rose petal. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, endowed with a sense of exuberance that the 2013 could only dream of. I admire the precision and tension interwoven through this l’Eglise-Clinet and the manner in which it fans out on the succulent finish. This is a Pomerol that just wants to go out and give pleasure. Tasted at the l’Eglise-Clinet vertical at the château in April 2018.
Neal Martin - 95
2012 Bordeaux: Messages in a Bottle (Jan 2016)
The 2012 Petit Eglise is round, sensual and inviting, with striking depth for a second label. Sweet red cherry, plum, exotic spice and licorice are all pushed forward. With air, the wine gains lift, finesse and delineation. Hints of lavender, sage and mint add brightness on the nuanced finish. There is a lot to like here. The Petit Eglise, 100% Merlot, is the second wine from L'Eglise Clinet, and it is a winner.
Antonio Galloni - 90
2012 Bordeaux: Messages in a Bottle (Jan 2016)
The 2012 L'Eglise Clinet is a real head-turner. Explosive and rich in the glass, the 2012 boasts superb depth throughout. Sweet floral and spiced notes develop first, followed by intense red and blue-fleshed fruit. Violets, mint, sage and sweet spices add nuance as the 2012 opens up, but it is really the wine's vertical structure that stands out above all else. I very much like the pure energy that is so central to the wine's personality. This is a superb showing, and one of the clear highlights of the year. Readers should cellar the 2012 for at least a few years.
Antonio Galloni - 95
Bordeaux 2012: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (May 2013)
(90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc; 80% new oak): Deep ruby. Exceptionally pure aromas of fresh blackcurrant, blueberry, minerals, violet and sweet spices. Sweet, suave and dense, with highly refined flavors of red berries, blackberry and cinnamon, and an impression of sucrosité that is truly unforgettable. The finish is long and delicately peppery, with lingering nuances of cinnamon, vanilla and strawberry jam and building, youthfully chewy but noble tannins. This very refined wine may turn out to be one of the handful of stars of the vintage. The merlot was harvested between Sept 21 and October 4, and the cabernet franc on October 6th.
Ian d'Agata - 92-94