Château L'Eglise Clinet 2023

Goosebumps guaranteed, a nose you can dive into—floral, stony, dark-fruited, majestic; a fleshy palate, generous fruit, firm tannins in counterpoint, immensely energetic, full of tension, powerful, with a long, lingering finish. A monumental L'Église Clinet, built for a small eternity.

Crafted from deep-rooted vines in both clay and clayey gravel, this estate succeeds like no other in expressing power from this appellation but without any hard or drying tannins, which one can encounter in 2023 from other estates. Cool and confident menthol, bright tangy red berry and blueberry fruit aromas introduce an almost Pauillac-like palate whose tannic grip is happily balanced by blood-red-orange-like freshness. Aged in 82% new oak, this wine was made from grapes picked before the September rains: the tannins show no rawness, but rather pristine ripeness. I love the linear focus wrapped in subtle succulence, ending with a long finish. Give it every chance to improve in your cellar, not before 2033, when it will fully reward your patience.

Everything you could ever want in a great Pomerol is here in abundance. From start to finish, this is exceptional! The showy perfume begins with a floral note before revealing its red fruit, along with black pit fruit, truffles, dark chocolate, and a touch of espresso. The stunning palate seals the deal, offering opulence, vibrancy, concentration, purity of fruit, and a sensual, velvety finish that, once it starts, doesn't want to stop! Made from a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, it's fantastic to see continued excellence from the Durantou family. Drink from 2029-2060.

Rises through the palate, intense and concentrated with cloves, pomegranate, black pepper, cumin, rosemary, rich black fruits balanced and given lift and contrast by nuanced and fresher raspberry leaf, tomato leaf, saline squid ink, and fresh citrus peel acidities. This has cohesion, precision, lift and character. Noëmie Durantou winemaker. Harvest September 1 to 18. 42hl/ha yield.