2018 Château L'Eglise-Clinet "one of the wines of the vintage"
Antonio Galloni called the 2018 Château L'Eglise-Clinet insanely beautiful and vivid, one of the wines of the entire vintage on the Right Bank. That's saying something in a year widely considered one of Pomerol's best in recent memory, and it's exactly the kind of praise this tiny estate has built its reputation on.
Why Collectors Know This Château
L'Eglise-Clinet is often mentioned in the same breath as Pétrus and Lafleur, minus the price tag. Some of Denis Durantou's vines here run over 75 years old, planted in rich clay soils that have delivered vintage after vintage of concentrated, precise Pomerol. Full background on the estate and its style is on our L'Eglise-Clinet collection page, part of our broader Bordeaux offering.
The 2018 Vintage
2018 is widely regarded as one of the great modern Right Bank vintages, alongside years like 2015 and 2016, the product of the hottest, driest summer Bordeaux had seen in fifty years. Multiple top critics landed this wine at 98 to 99 points, praising its purity of black fruit, dark chocolate and truffle, wrapped in polished, finely grained tannin with a long finish. A Merlot-dominant blend (90%) with a touch of Cabernet Franc, aged in mostly new French oak, it's already dangerously drinkable but built to keep evolving for the next 20 to 30 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes L'Eglise-Clinet comparable to Pétrus and Lafleur?
L'Eglise-Clinet is a tiny Pomerol estate known for old vines, rich clay soils, and meticulous winemaking under Denis Durantou. The resulting wines share the depth and aging potential of Pomerol's most famous names, at a fraction of the price.
What's the blend in the 2018 L'Eglise-Clinet?
Roughly 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, aged in a majority new French oak.
How long will the 2018 L'Eglise-Clinet age?
Critics expect it to evolve for 25 to 30 years or more from vintage, with prime drinking beginning around 7 to 8 years after release.
Is the 2018 L'Eglise-Clinet ready to drink now?
Believe it or not, YES! While still very young, it's already showing excellent and offering real pleasure, though its full potential won't arrive for another several years. This is a wine built to reward both early drinking and long-term cellaring.