2025 L`Eglise-Clinet (Pomerol)

The 2025 L`Eglise-Clinet is totally seamless. Creme de cassis, lavender, licorice, mocha, pomegranate and jasmine caress the palate. Impossibly fine, silky tannins frame the mid-palate. Time in the glass brings out the wine`s textural richness and all the gravitas that is such a signature here. Gravel, dried herbs, mocha and lavender shape the huge, dramatic finish. 95-97 points

The 2025 L`Eglise-Clinet was picked on 4 and 5 September for the Merlot and the same days plus 12 September for the Cabernet Franc; this vintage matured in 75% new oak. The aromatics are timid at first, but unfurl in the glass, revealing enticing scents of raspberry, wild strawberry, truffle oil and cedar. The oak is beautifully integrated, and it gains delineation with each swirl. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannins, one of the most mineral-driven L`Eglise-Clinet wines that I have tasted from barrel, gaining cohesion and poise, with perfectly judged acidity and a gentle but insistent grip on the finish. There is a verticality to this Pomerol that gives it a more cerebral slant compared to the 2022, but it is still quite delicious. That said, I would still give it a few years in bottle. 96-98 points

Luscious dark cassis and bilberry fruits, pure perfume, peony and red rose petals, a standout in Pomerol, there is an enveloping and expansive mid palate with full on fennel and anis on close of play, so good, a wine full of emotion and grace. 75% new oak. Harvest September 4 to 12. Cooler fermentation than usual, not higher than 28C, because thick skins. 3.5ph. 4.5ha, so only 3 tanks compared to 5 normally, 30hll/ha. Olivier Guatraut cellar master with Noemie Durantou winemaker. 97 points