Wine Advisor
Clos L'Eglise Pomerol 2017
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2017 Clos L'Eglise has really developed nicely during its élevage. Blackberry jam, chocolate, spice, new leather and licorice give the 2017 much of its rich flamboyant intensity and textural richness. Notes of red cherry, red plum, blood orange, sage and mint add complexity. Even with all of its richness, the 2017 preserves terrific energy and a real sense of vibrancy.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2017 Clos L'Eglise is a wine that brings together power, tension and energy. There is quite a bit of richness to the fruit, but also plenty of supporting structure. Beams of underlying tannin give the 2017 its drive and sense of direction, while keeping the flavors perked up. Bright red stone fruit, mint and white pepper lead into a sculpted finish lifted by striking floral notes. This is a decidedly tannic, tightly wound Pomerol that is going to require patience, but it is also hugely promising. The 2017 was done in 100% new 300L barrels.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2017 Clos l’Eglise, which suffered no frost damage, has a tightly wound bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, sage and chestnut. This is an attractive example but is missing the bravura of the previous two vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with bright red berry fruit, almost Burgundy-like in terms of the pliant tannins. Very harmonious and silky smooth towards the finish, this is a delicious Clos l’Eglise that will drink earlier than 2015 or 2016, but deserves its own round of applause. Tasted at the Clos l’Eglise vertical.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2017 Clos l’Eglise has a richer bouquet than the Barde-Haute (also owned by Garçin-Léveque) with brine-tinged blackberry and bilberry fruit. There is a lovely marine influence here. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip, fine weight in the mouth, fresh and saline with a touch of bitter cherry on the finish. Classic in style, this is quite a cerebral Pomerol for the vintage and I suspect it will age with style. Excellent.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2017 Clos l’Eglise was picked from 6 September to 2 October, the harvest was spread out for almost one month. It is matured in 90% new oak for 18 months. It has a well-defined, very pure bouquet with cranberry, dark cherries, bay leaf and crushed stone. It needs a little time to open in the glass and is not as immediate as the 2016 last year. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very smooth in texture with a slightly lactic note towards the finish. There is a touch of dark chocolate that infuses the red berry fruit with a subtle liquorice tincture that lingers on the aftertaste. This is a fine Clos l’Eglise although I do feel this year that its stablemate in Saint-Èmilion, Barde-Haut, takes the top honor.
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Clos l'Eglise comes bursting forth with fresh black plums and black currants notions with hints of black raspberries, black pepper and Indian spices plus touches of lavender and roses. Medium-bodied, firm, grainy and with seamless freshness, it fills the palate with spicy black fruits and finishes long and perfumed.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
This is a very juicy red with blackberries, blueberries and hints of chocolate. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Tight.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Aromas of wild red fruit, green leaves and herbs, as well as cedary oak. The palate has a supple, fresh feel with a wealth of plush, smoothly arranged tannins on offer. This is a bold Pomerol with plenty to offer now. Better in six-plus years.
