This has the sensuous, easy generosity and exuberance of Pomerol offering soft tannins at first, but with grip as they close in through the palate, alongside seductive chocolate notes with liquorice on the finish. There was a big gap in harvesting between the Merlot on 19/20 September and Cabernet Franc on 10 October, as it had to ripen after blockages, but they were able to be patient and got to the full ripeness. 92 points

The 2018 Clos l`Eglise is a final blend composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc; the Merlot was harvested September 19-20, and the Cabernet Franc was harvested on October 10. Deep garnet-purple colored, it explodes on the nose with bold, expressive plum preserves, blueberry compote, mincemeat pie and sandalwood with nuances of lilacs, woodsmoke, Indian spices and dusty soil. Full-bodied, rich, velvety and decadently fruited in the mouth, it offers layer upon layer of voluptuous fruit, finishing long and spicy. 94-96 points

The 2018 Clos L`Eglise is a powerful, brooding wine with a huge core of super-ripe, dense fruit and equally imposing tannins. In 2018, heat and mildew impacted yields and resulted in a big, rich wine. Dark cherry, graphite, plum, mineral, spice and licorice add to an impression of brooding power. It will be interesting to see what élevage does here. Today, Clos L`Eglise is a real powerhouse. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. 92-95 points

In this vintage the blend here remains true to the norm, which is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. It has a very elegant and perfumed style, with lightly grilled black cherry and blackcurrant fruits, with a little touch of fragrant chalk dust. It feels aromatically honest and true, as it does on the palate, which is medium-bodied, but with a lovely purity of fruit. There are lightly desiccated red plums, spiced with cinnamon and toast, and this all comes wrapped around a handsome central spindle of tannins. A r eally fine grip here, of velvety grape tannins, very tightly knit and nicely integrated within the substance of the wine. Polished, fresh, honest, with good potential. 92-94 points