2021 La Petite Eglise

The violets come out of the glass alongside plenty of cherries and hints of sliced peaches. Medium-bodied with a solid center palate of fruit and ultra-fine tannins that give length and drive. Structured and polished, leading to a finish that goes on for minutes. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc.

While the 2021 Château L'Eglise Clinet La Petite Eglise plays as the second wine of the château, it's always from the same parcels (which never play well with the others) as well as some of the younger vine Merlot. The 2021 is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that was raised in 60% new French oak. It has the classic fresher style of the vintage yet brings good ripeness and depth in its red and black fruits, leafy tobacco, damp earth, and bouquet garni-like bay leaf nuances. Medium-bodied on the palate, it's nicely balanced, has a round, supple, elegant mouthfeel, soft tannins, and ample up-front charm and character. It will drink well for 7-8 years and evolve for even longer.

The 2021 La Petite Eglise has come out of its shell on the nose during its barrel-aging, now more expressive with finely delineated scents of blackberry, iris flower, gravel and truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and moderate weight, very harmonious and showing more cohesion on the finish than it did out of barrel. Closing with satisfying length, this is a very capable Pomerol.