2013 l'Eglise Clinet

Very dark crimson. Quite a surprisingly opulent nose. Fresh and direct on the palate with an amazing amount of ripe fruit! Definitely one of the most successful 2013s. (JR)

Unquestionably one of the better wines of the vintage, with grip and grace. Not the depth and complexity of a normal L'Eglise Clinet, but there is a slow progression through the palate, and a clear indication of careful extraction of actual fruit. Blackberry and raspberry dominate, autumnal and gentle, enjoyable and there is pleasure to be found. No need to wait, but no rush to drink. Denis Durantou was no doubt up for the challenge of this year, obsessively checking his vines to see what he could do to revive them, and I have a wonderful memory of tasting this with him and Michel Rolland in Pomerol, and being struck by how much it revealed of his talents.

The 2013 l’Eglise-Clinet was picked 25 September to 2 October for the Merlot and 6 October for the Cabernet Franc, then matured in 80% new oak. It has a hard time following the 2014 and 2015 in terms of fruit concentration as you would expect. This feels more evolved with woodland/autumn leaf aromas complemented by field mushroom and tertiary scents that occlude fruit expression. The palate is medium-bodied with rather dry tannins, dark berry fruit tinged with cedar and tobacco notes. It is actually an enjoyable Pomerol with fine acidity and freshness on the finish, although as you would expect, it does not belong with the pantheon of great Pomerols. Tasted at the l’Eglise-Clinet vertical at the château in April 2018.