Clos l'Eglise - Pomerol 2017 6b11bd6ba9341f0271941e7df664d056

Jeb DUNNUCK

92-94 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe6/12/2018

Another pretty, elegant wine in the vintage, the 2017 Clos l'Église (80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc aging in new barrels) offers a forward, medium-bodied, ultra-fine and seamless profile as well as classic Merlot fruit, spice and floral aromas and flavors. It’s not a blockbuster but shines for its purity of fruit, ripe tannin, and impressive length. It’s going to drink nicely right out of the gate yet also evolve gracefully.

Vinous

92-95 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe5/15/2018

The 2017 Clos L'Eglise is a wine that brings together power, tension and energy. There is quite a bit of richness to the fruit, but also plenty of supporting structure. Beams of underlying tannin give the 2017 its drive and sense of direction, while keeping the flavors perked up. Bright red stone fruit, mint and white pepper lead into a sculpted finish lifted by striking floral notes. This is a decidedly tannic, tightly wound Pomerol that is going to require patience, but it is also hugely promising. The 2017 was done in 100% new 300L barrels.

The Wine Cellar Insider

93-95 / 100

byJeff Levethe5/11/2018

Dark chocolate, plum and truffle notes are the first things you notice. Full bodied, lush, rich, ripe and fresh, the wine offers a lot of minerality, cocoa and ripe, juicy plums. The wine was made from a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

Vinous

91-93 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/1/2018

The 2017 Clos l’Eglise was picked from 6 September to 2 October, the harvest was spread out for almost one month. It is matured in 90% new oak for 18 months. It has a well-defined, very pure bouquet with cranberry, dark cherries, bay leaf and crushed stone. It needs a little time to open in the glass and is not as immediate as the 2016 last year. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very smooth in texture with a slightly lactic note towards the finish. There is a touch of dark chocolate that infuses the red berry fruit with a subtle liquorice tincture that lingers on the aftertaste. This is a fine Clos l’Eglise although I do feel this year that its stablemate in Saint-Èmilion, Barde-Haut, takes the top honor.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/27/2018

Blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Clos l'Eglise comes bursting forth with fresh black plums and black currants notions with hints of black raspberries, black pepper and Indian spices plus touches of lavender and roses. Medium-bodied, firm, grainy and with seamless freshness, it fills the palate with spicy black fruits and finishes long and perfumed.

WeinWisser

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/25/2018

Jean-Marc QUARIN

17 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/17/2018

Wine Enthusiast

90-92 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/17/2018

From a small estate, this wine offers delicious layers of ripe black plum and smoky tannins. It is rich, full, generous and already opulent. Drink from 2021.

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/6/2018

This is a very juicy red with blackberries, blueberries and hints of chocolate. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Tight.

Wine Spectator

88-91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/4/2018

Blueberry, blackberry and anise flavors rush forth, with more modest structure behind them. Fresh acidity keeps this honest, but this will likely deliver more immediate appeal.—J.M.