1989 l'Eglise Clinet
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Tasting notes
The 1989 l’Eglise-Clinet is one of those vintages that seems to have enjoyed a second wind, at least judging by the last two or three bottles. This is a superb example. Showing modest bricking on the rim, it delivers lovely black truffle and fireside hearth scents filtering through the melted red fruit that becomes more tertiary with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with mellow tannin, warm and inviting with brambly red fruit, truffle and clove. It is not overly complex nor do I believe it will be exceptionally long lived. It is just a gorgeous Pomerol to consume now. Tasted at the International Business & Wine Pomerol tasting.
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More reviews and scores
The 1989 Château L'Eglise-Clinet continues to shine at 27 years of age and this was certainly a better example than several that I have tasted in the last two or three years. It has a very complex nose, this bottle one of the most backward that I have encountered: red berry fruit, black truffle, crushed violets and sage aromas, a hint of warm tar emerging with time. The palate is extremely well balanced, still quite youthful and structured—a Pomerol that you have to learn to love (although trust me, it is worth the effort). This example suggests that it still has many years ahead, such is its substance and length. This was always a brilliant wine from Denis Durantou, a Pomerol that wears its heart on its sleeve. Long may it shine. Tasted January 2016.
Quite a deep crimson. Royal and jewelly and Pomerolly. Sweet and round. An ideal mature Pomerol. 26 Jun 2004 (JR)
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.