Château L'Eglise Clinet 2009

Tasting characteristics and advice for Château L'Eglise Clinet 2009

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a deep purple hue, reflecting the concentration and ripeness of the fruit.

Nose

The bouquet shows remarkable intensity, unfolding aromas of black fruit (plum, black cherry, blackcurrant) accompanied by truffle notes typical of great Pomerol. With aeration, the nose gains complexity with hints of graphite, black olive, licorice, and tobacco, rounded out by delicate floral touches reminiscent of pressed rose.

Palate

The attack is elegant despite an underlying power. A silky texture and exceptionally fine tannins shape a full-bodied palate without heaviness. A tangy freshness brings precision and balance to the whole. The finish, long and refined, lingers with mineral and spicy notes, revealing remarkable definition and controlled power.

Food and wine pairings

This Pomerol is an ideal match for grilled or roasted red meats, notably beef in sauce or spice-rubbed leg of lamb. It also pairs well with dishes featuring wild mushrooms, foie gras, or feathered game. Aged hard cheeses also make a harmonious pairing.

Serving and cellaring

Château L'Eglise Clinet 2009 is best served at a temperature of 16-17°C. Decanting for 1 to 4 hours helps soften the tannic structure and fully reveal the aromatic range. This wine can be enjoyed until around 2070.

An outstanding Pomerol combining power and refinement

The estate

Established in 1882 in Bordeaux, Château L'Eglise Clinet is a 5.5-hectare Pomerol estate born from the union of Clos l'Église and Château Clinet, a name adopted in 1955. Ideally located on the Pomerol plateau, near the cemetery, the vineyard sits on deep soils composed of clay and gravel. The grape varieties favor Merlot at 90%, complemented by 10% Cabernet Franc, reflecting a constant pursuit of finesse.

The vineyard

The Château L'Eglise Clinet vineyard enjoys a prime location on the famous Pomerol plateau, the most prestigious area of the appellation. The 4.5 hectares dedicated to the grand vin occupy plots located immediately next to the Saint-Jean de Pomerol church, on deep clay-and-gravel soils offering optimal natural drainage. The vines, with an average age of over forty years, root deeply in this outstanding terroir. Vineyard management favors sustainable, environmentally respectful practices, with organic amendments and rigorous selection during manual harvesting.

The vintage

The 2009 vintage ranks among the most exceptional in the recent history of Bordeaux. The year began with a mild winter followed by a sunny spring that encouraged vigorous vine growth. Early flowering in early June took place under ideal conditions. Summer brought heat and dryness, concentrating phenolic compounds without excess. September offered perfect conditions, with cool nights preserving acidity and warm days ensuring full phenolic ripeness. Harvesting took place between September 14 and 28, making it possible to identify the optimal picking date for each plot.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Château L'Eglise Clinet 2009 were harvested by hand by a team of around thirty pickers, who carried out an initial selection in the vineyard. After complete destemming, the berries were vinified in small temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, with parcel-by-parcel vinifications enabling maximum precision at blending. Maceration and fermentation were carefully managed to gently extract aromatic and tannic compounds. Aging took place over approximately eighteen months in French oak barrels, 80% new wood, allowing harmonious integration of oak notes without masking the expression of the terroir.

Grape varieties

Merlot (90%)
Cabernet Franc (10%)