2005 CLOS L'ÉGLISE POMEROL - 12x75cl

Tasting Notes

• 

  Robert Parker, June 2015,
  Score: 96

  The talented and charming Sylvie Garcin runs this tiny property of 15 acres, planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in 100% new oak. The 2005 is dense ruby/purple, with notes of smoky barbecue, crushed blackcurrants and jammy cherries, with some licorice and earth in the background (truffle?). This full-bodied, multi-dimensional, full-throttle and concentrated Pomerol is top class. This is a great example of the vintage and of this beautiful terroir not far from Pomerol’s church. Approachable now, it will even improve for another 5-10 years and drink well for at least two more decades.

• 

  Robert Parker, April 2008,
  Score: 96

  The 2005 Clos l’Eglise gives the brilliant 2001, 2000, and1998 a run for their money. Time will tell if it eventually eclipses those three sensational efforts. A huge, sweet nose of creme brulee intermixed with black cherry liqueur, blackberries, tar, caramel, and mocha/coffee soars from the glass of this blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Opulence, superb intensity, abundant quantities of sweet toasty oak, a full-bodied richness, and excellent purity as well as depth suggest it will age effortlessly for over two decades. This is a brilliant Pomerol from proprietor Helene Garcin and her consulting winemaker, Dr. Alain Raynaud. Drink: 2008 - 2028.

• 

  Robert Parker, April 2007,
  Score: 95-97

  A spectacular Pomerol from Helene Garcin, this blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc emerges from a 15-acre vineyard planted on the plateau of Pomerol. The 2005 ranks alongside the estate’s greatest efforts to date, the 2001, 2000, and 1998. An extraordinary perfume of creme brulee interwoven with chocolate, mocha, blackberries, and sweet kirsch soars from the glass. With superb intensity, sweet tannin, stunning opulence, and fabulous texture and purity, this is a compelling example of the appellation as well as the vintage. It should be approachable in 3-4 years, and last for two decades or more. If you can find it, buy it by the caseload. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2030.

• 

  Robert Parker, April 2006,
  Score: 94-96

  This estate has been on fire since 1997, and the 2005 is their finest effort since 2000, 2001, and 1998. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc (from the oldest vines of Pomerol), it offers up fabulous aromas of truffles, black currants, vanilla, barbecue spices, and graphite. This well-endowed, full-bodied wine reveals an opulent, voluptuous texture, surprisingly good acidity, and high tannin. The 2005 vintage is unusual in that it is extremely concentrated and tannic yet vibrant and refreshing. This is another example of a potentially profound as well as long-lived wine. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2030.

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Producer

Clos l'Eglise

A rising superstar since 1997 when it was purchased by the Garcin-Cathiard family. They wasted no time in investing in the property and hiring Michel Rolland as a consultant. Robert Parker describes their wine as now "one of the most opulent of the appellation" and a "benchmark Pomerol that can easily compete with, if not surpass, many of the stars of the right bank, including Le Pin and Pétrus."