Clos L'Eglise Pomerol 2015

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Clos l'Eglise has a very earthy nose of black soil, truffles and mossy bark over a core of kirsch, blackberry preserves and dried mulberries with wafts of rose hips and oolong tea. Full-bodied, richly fruited and packed with savory layers, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy.

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2015 Clos l'Eglise was picked on 8, 14 and 23 September apropos the Merlot and the Cabernet Franc on 23 September. Co-proprietor Hélène Garçin-Léveque told me that for the first time, Clos l'Eglise was one of the first Pomerols to be picked since they felt that the grapes were fully ripe. So why wait? That clearly is vindicated by the bouquet with ebullient, ripe blackberry and wild strawberry fruit, almost Burgundy-like in terms of its purity. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine, tensile tannin, brimming over with energy, tightly packed towards the more linear finish than usual. This is a Clos l'Eglise built for long-term bottle ageing, though I suspect it will actually come round a little earlier than usual. A wonderful Pomerol, almost understated, but full of personality.

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2015 Clos l'Eglise has retained a very intense bouquet with scents of blackberry, wild strawberry, briary and just a touch of cassis in the background. It is very well defined although backward. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin. This is a Pomerol with substance and presence, perhaps one of the most like its neighbor L’Eglise Clinet in terms of backbone and longevity. There is wonderful salinity toward the finish with residues of white pepper and even a slight garrigue note that lingers in the mouth. Superb, but it will need 5 or 6 years in bottle.

vinous89

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2015 Clos L'Eglise is soft, fruity and open-knit, all qualities that are best enjoyed sooner rather than later. There is good depth and energy, but at the same time, the fruit is a bit dried out, while the oak is intrusive. It will be interesting to see if the 2015 finds a bit better balance over the next few years. This is a solid effort, but, frankly, I expected more excitement and personality here.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The Clos L'Eglise is the best of Hélène Garcin's 2015s. There is good depth and persistence here, although like all the other wines, the style is decidedly delicate and understated, especially for the year. Dark red stone fruits, licorice, leather and smoke add subtle nuances of complexity. The 2015 offer good freshness and purity, although it is a bit light. Clos L'Eglise is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, picked on September 8 and September 14/15 respectively.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2015 Clos l’Eglise needs encouragement on the nose. Initially surprisingly taciturn, it reveals well-defined blackberry, raspberry, leather and truffle scents. The palate is silky smooth with fine delineation, quite poised with dark chocolate and espresso complementing the lush red fruit. There is gentle grip towards the finish that gains length, though never achieves the heights of the following vintage. Still, this is going to give a lot of pleasure over the next 10-15 years. Tasted at the Clos l’Eglise vertical.

james_suckling92

Reviewed by: James Suckling

A soft and fruity red with walnut, plum and earth aromas and flavors. Full to medium body, clean finish. Refined and pretty.

james_suckling94

Reviewed by: James Suckling

A tight and focused red with blackberry, dark-chocolate and hazelnut aromas and flavors, which follow through to a full body. Integrated and round tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs three or four years to soften but very focused and precise. Structured. Try in 2021.

james_suckling95

Reviewed by: James Suckling

This is a more layered and juicy wine with a soft and round tannin texture. Walnuts and chocolate. Full-bodied, gentle and welcoming to taste. Chocolate and coffee undertones. Subtle and lightly decadent. Better than I remember. Drink or hold.