| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
| 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. Since its debut in 2004, this has always been a 100% Merlot cuvée and has come from fruit harvested on sandier soils rather than from the vines of Eglise Clinet itself. In 2018, a large part of the Merlot vines were dug up and production here is currently extremely small.
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château L'Église-Clinet
A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 La Petite Eglise opens in the glass with aromas of dark berries, licorice, loamy soil and black truffle. It's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and tensile, with terrific depth at the core and a long, saline finish,
The 2021 La Petite Eglise was picked September 28–29 and raised in 60% new oak. It has a pretty, floral bouquet that is, as usual, a little more expressive than the Grand Vin at this stage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, taut at first though offering finely tuned, tart red fruit on the finish. Just give it a couple of years in bottle. (14.0% alcohol)
The 2021 is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked from 28th-29th September. Less than 600 cases will be made at 14% abv, raised in 60% new French oak. Deep ruby colour. Bright cherry blossom, sweet plums and dried herbs together with toasty oak on the nose here. This has the rounded, bright energy of Pomerol, a compact sphere of fruit is surrounded by soft and succulent, lightly sandy tannins. There is real generosity on the the finish, which is long and supple.
A dark-fruited Pomerol with pretty notes of cloves, sandalwood, dried lavender and tar. Medium-to full-bodied with ripe, powdery tannins. Coffee notes at the end. Excellent intensity and structure for the vintage. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc.
The 2021 La Petite Eglise is made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, aging in 60% new oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock notes of fresh black plums, juicy blackberries, and Bing cherries, plus hints of licorice, dried Provence herbs, and Ceylon tea. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating, crunchy black fruits and great tension, with a grainy texture and long savory finish.
2026-2036
A touch of gun smoke reduction on the opening beats, showcasing cloves, spice, raspberry, beautifully precise and well constructed fruits. Not luscious in the usual Pomerol way but with estate signature and subtly moreish. Harvest September 28 to 29, with 60% new oak (a little more than usual but will be used for less time). No chaptalisation. One less plot of Cabernet Franc this year, as it was used in L'Eglise Clinet. Noémie Durantou-Reilhac winemaker.
90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Lifted and floral on the nose and palate. Juicy but structured, the grainy tannins providing persistence and drive. Should fill out further in the bottle. (JL) 14%
Drink 2027 – 2036
