2021 Château l'Eglise-Clinet La Petite Eglise Pomerol

L'Église-Clinet and La Petite Église in Pomerol

La Petite Église is the second wine from Château L'Église-Clinet, one of Pomerol's most respected estates. The winery is led by Denis Durantou and now his daughters Noémie and Constance, who continue the philosophy of precision and low yields. La Petite Église is not a simple derivative, but a full-fledged wine that receives the same care in the vineyard and cellar, with a slightly more accessible style. More detailed information about the winery, the family, and the plots can be found under the "Winery" tab.

Pomerol as origin and terroir

Pomerol is a compact appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank, known for its rich clay and gravel soils. These soils are particularly well-suited to Merlot, which produces wines with depth, velvety tannins, and aromatic complexity. The proximity of the Isle River creates a temperate microclimate, contributing to even ripening.

The plots for La Petite Église lie on classic Pomerol terroir and share characteristics with those of L'Église-Clinet itself. This results in a wine that clearly bears the estate's signature, but with a slightly lighter structure and earlier accessibility.

The 2021 harvest year in Pomerol

2021 was a classic and relatively cool year in Bordeaux, with a focus on freshness and balance. For Pomerol, this meant a vintage with less power but greater refinement. At L'Église-Clinet, strict selection was made, both in the vineyard and in the cellar, to ensure harmony and precision.

The result is a wine that doesn't rely on extraction or ripeness, but rather on elegance, texture, and aromatic tension. This perfectly suits the style of La Petite Église.

Grape variety and composition of the 2021 La Petite Église

The 2021 La Petite Église is made of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Merlot contributes to the smooth mouthfeel, ripe red fruit, and soft texture. Cabernet Franc adds freshness, spice, and aromatic refinement.

This blend gives the wine its balance and length. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, with an emphasis on preserving acidity and aromatic precision.

Vinification and maturation

After manual harvesting, the grapes are carefully fermented in temperature-controlled vats. Extraction is controlled, aiming for a refined tannin structure and a pure fruit profile. Maturation takes place in French oak barrels, some of which are new.

The oak influence remains well-integrated, supporting the wine's structure and complexity without masking the fruit. This results in a wine that is already harmonious, but can also age for several years.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2021 La Petite Église

In the glass, the wine has a deep ruby red color. The nose is expressive and refined, with aromas of violets, cherries, and blackcurrants, complemented by subtle notes of peach, iris, truffle, and wet pebbles.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with a core of juicy red fruit and very fine tannins that provide length and tension. The structure is polished and harmonious, with a remarkably long finish that fades away with spicy and mineral nuances.

Reviews and storage potential

The 2021 La Petite Église was widely acclaimed by the international wine press. It earned 95 points and was praised for its structure, finesse, and impressive length. Neal Martin emphasized the aromatic precision and improved cohesion compared to the barrel stage, awarding it 91 points.

Antonio Galloni awarded the wine 92 points and described it as a graceful, seductive Pomerol with charm and suppleness. The drinking window is roughly between 2026 and 2036, with potential for further development well into the years afterward.

Serving temperature and drinking advice

Serve the 2021 La Petite Église preferably at around 16 to 17 degrees Celsius. The wine is accessible relatively early, but will gain complexity with a few years of bottle aging. Light aeration is enough to beautifully open up the aromas.

Would you like to order L'Église-Clinet wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings with 2021 La Petite Église

Veal fillet with sage and light gravy
The soft structure of the wine complements the refined meat and the spiciness of sage beautifully.

Duck breast with cherry sauce
The red fruit in the wine enhances the juiciness and sweet notes of the dish.

Ravioli filled with mushrooms and Parmesan
Earthy flavours and creaminess are beautifully supported by the finesse and acidity of the wine.

Lamb chop with rosemary and garlic
The spicy accents match the aromatic depth of the wine.

Roasted chicken with truffle jus
The subtle truffle notes in the wine come through elegantly here.

Mature cheeses such as Tomme or young Comté
The salty and nutty flavours of the cheese are carried by the long, refined finish.