Clos L'Eglise 2018 (Pre-Arrival)

"The 2018 Clos l’Eglise has a different fruit profile to the Barde-Haut tasted alongside, as one might expect comparing Pomerol against Saint-Émilion. Here one finds more red fruit, raspberry and wild strawberry intermingling with blackberry and cassis fruit. The new oak (80%) is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. There is plenty of rondeur in this Pomerol, black truffle filtering through the blackberry fruit with a dash of cracked black pepper and clove towards the finish. This has always the hallmarks of classic Pomerol and it might drink earlier than the Barde-Haut." - Neal Martin, vinous.com, (November, 2019), Rating: 92-94, Drink: 2022-2040

"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." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, (4/23/2019, Bordeaux 2018 Issue), Rating: 94-96