Château L'Église Clinet 2018

The 2018 Church Clinet has a pH of 3.63 and an alcohol content of 14.5%. It was aged in 70% new barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with a stunning scent of fragrant earth, accented by notions of wild mushrooms, mossy tree bark and crushed rocks, giving way to a core of black raspberries, plum jams and fresh blueberries, plus scents of lavender and clove oil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shines with energy, offering layers of slowly releasing dark fruit and earth, framed by very ripe, finely grained tannins and fantastic tension. It finishes with epic length and subtlety. It's already so evocative and beautifully expressed at this youthful stage that it's tempting to tackle it right away, but give it another 5-6 years to really blossom, and drink it over the next 40+ years. 

                                                                             Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, March 2021

The 2018 Eglise-Clinet was harvested from September 18-26 for the Merlot and September 28 for the Cabernet Franc, and was aged in 70% new oak. I gave the bottle a preemptive four-hour decant, which was vital to appreciating this beautiful Pomerol. The aromas are early, pure and finely chiseled, with copious scents of black plum and blueberry, as well as heart-melting violet petals. The palate is very much like the barrel sample in its stunning precision and symmetry. Velvety from start to finish, this will become a fabulous wine from the late Denis Durantou, but be warned...

                                                                                                           Neal Martin, vinous.com, March 2021