| Region | Bordeaux |
|---|---|
| Appellation | |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This is a serious Pomerol in its own right, but it is sold at a fraction of the price of Eglise Clinet and is often the best value wine of the appellation. Previously a 100% Merlot cuvée, Cabernet Franc has been included since 2018 when part of the Merlot vineyard was also pulled up, reducing production levels. The fruit comes from two plots on sandier soils (one by the church, one near La Fleur Pétrus) rather than from the vines of Eglise Clinet itself.
Although yields were low, 5,000 bottles will be produced again in 2025 as one new plot has come into production. Aged in 65% new oak. 13.8% ABV. Merlot picked from August 27th to 4th September. 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc.
The 2025 La Petite Eglise was picked 1-4 September and 12 September for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc respectively. It has a clean and pure bouquet with blackberry, briary and light red berry fruit. The palate has very malleable tannins, caressing and harmonious, with black pepper and bay leaf towards the finish and a sense of completeness. The aromatics just need to click into fifth gear, which they undoubtedly will by the time of bottling. Drink 2029-2042.
Bright ruby in colour with soft, juicy and easy cherry fruit leading the nose. The palate is light and airy, ideally suited to drinking young with its crunchy, juicy red fruit. This is supple, smooth Pomerol that is easy to like, fragrant and smooth to a long finish.
A salty red with fresh acidity and vivid, very polished bright fruit. It’s medium-bodied with a lovely center palate and a defined finish. Very typical and classy. A blend of 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc.
A lovely joyful feeling, cherry pit, sinew and spice, grilled cumin seeds, turmeric, anis, very good. 30hl/ha yield, 65% new oak. Harvest August 27 to September 12, this is the earliest harvest dates on record, and the first vintage with the Petite Eglise plot that was pulled up in 2017 and now has been replanted. Olivier Guatraut cellar master with Noémie Durantou winemaker.
The 2025 La Petite Eglise is a very pretty, open-knit second wine. It offers fine persistence and balance. I find it just a touch light texturally, perhaps because this vintage includes a bit of fruit from relatively young vines. The 2025 might not quite have the depth or complexity of the very best years, but it comes close. Best of all, it will drink beautifully on release. 2028 - 2037
