1983 l'Eglise Clinet
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Tasting notes
The 1983 l’Eglise-Clinet was Denis Durantou’s debut vintage, one where he told me that he used a special heat exchanger to decrease the temperature in the rudimentary cellar. Of course, there was no new oak available – he did not have the money. As such, it does not mark an auspicious debut. Vestiges of red fruit on the nose, touches of rose petal, yet overall it distinctly lacks vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with a savory note towards the finish, but overall it feels hollow and lacks presence. Bottles should be consumed in the near future. Tasting note taken from the Pomerol book by Neal Martin.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Beginning to show some cracks around the edges and considerable amber, this wine has notes of wet soil, mushroom, and black cherries in a decidedly earthy, herbal concoction. The wine has medium to full body, low acidity, but very dry tannins in the finish that are starting to give the wine a somewhat desiccated feeling, a sign that an imminent crack-up of the wine is not far off. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 5/02.
Wine Spectator, 16 March 1986.
A success in 1983, L'Eglise-Clinet is dark ruby, with some amber at the edge. It exhibits a dense, ripe, fat, black-cherry bouquet, chewy, dense, ripe flavors, full body, low acidity, and soft tannins. This big wine has matured quickly. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 3/89. Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1
About the producer
Ch. l'Eglise-Clinet is one of the most unassuming wine estates in Bordeaux. You'd probably drive past it if you didn't have prior knowledge of its vinous output. There's no ostentatious gateway nor sweeping gravel drive.