Chateau L´Eglise Clinet - La Petite Eglise 2018

JAMES SUCKLING: "Plenty of crushed berries, cherries and plums, as well as fresh-mushroom and walnut undertones. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Beautiful second wine of L’Eglise Clinet. Drink after 2025."

WEINWISSER: "Purpur mit rubinrotem Rand. Komplexes Bouquet mit kleinen schwarzen Beeren, dunklem Edelholz und edler Cassiswürze. Am druckvollen Gaumen mit weicher Textur, engmaschigem Tanningerüst und herrlicher Extraktfülle. Im konzentrierten Finale Wildkirsche und dunkle Graphitnoten, endet mit erhabener Adstringenz. Perfekt gelungener Zweitwein vom viel zu früh verstorbenen Denis Durantou!"

DECANTER: "A delicious Petit Eglise that has settled in over ageing while still showing the rich and exuberant character that it had during en primeur. This has a real sense of fatness at the start of play but then closes down and shows its tannic teeth halfway through. As it opens again the tannic structure softens and relaxes and the wine gives a sense of welcome and uplift, with the brushed velvet tannins of the appellation. More Cabernet Franc than usual because new plantings by the church have come into play, meaning a high percentage of young vines. 35% new oak. Drinking Window 2023 - 2038"

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Refined, elegant, silky, fresh, pure, sweet, red fruits, licorice and cocoa hit the spot. This is sensuous, sexy and vibrant, with a gorgeous finish. You can drink this young as it is already such a pleasure to taste. The wine is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Produced by the late Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet, the 2018 La Petite Eglise is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with 35% new oak and 14.5% alcohol. This is the first time Cabernet Franc was used in the blend and the first time younger vines from L'Eglise Clinet were used. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes galloping out of the glass with scents of tilled soil, licorice and black truffles, opening out to a core of baked plums, boysenberries and kirsch, plus a touch of woodsmoke. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of juicy black fruits, supported by plush tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long with a spicy kick."