2023 Château l'Eglise-Clinet La Petite Eglise Pomerol

the story of Château l'Eglise-Clinet

Château l'Eglise-Clinet is one of the most respected estates in Pomerol and ranks among the appellation's top tiers. Led by Denis Durantou and now continued by his daughters, the château is known for wines of intensity, depth, and exceptional terroir expression. In addition to the grand vin, the estate also produces La Petite Eglise, a wine that is more of a full-fledged cuvée than a classic second wine. It is crafted with the same care and attention, sourced from specific plots and young vines, but always with the recognizable signature of l'Eglise-Clinet.

vineyard and grapes

La Petite Eglise's vineyards are located in the heart of Pomerol, on clay- and gravel-rich soils ideal for Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The 2023 blend consists of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, resulting in a wine that combines roundness and fruit intensity with tension and freshness. With an alcohol content of 14.4%, the wine exudes power without losing its balance.

the 2023 harvest

The 2023 growing season was challenging, but careful vineyard work allowed the grapes to be harvested at optimal ripeness. The Merlot provided rich, dark fruit notes, while the Cabernet Franc added tension, spice, and freshness. This combination produces a Pomerol with depth and vibrancy that distinguishes itself from other Bordeaux "second wines."

vinification and maturation

La Petite Eglise is crafted with the same care as its grand vin. The grapes are hand-harvested, rigorously selected, and vinified separately. Maturation takes place in French oak barrels, where the wood influence adds structure and refined complexity. This approach emphasizes the fruity and spicy character without disrupting the balance.

color, smell and taste

The 2023 La Petite Eglise opens with aromas of plums, cherries, and dark chocolate, complemented by truffle notes. The bouquet is both ripe and refined. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied, with a core of juicy fruit, sweet tannins, and a hint of oak. Antonio Galloni praised its depth, describing it as one of the few second wines that benefit from bottle aging. In addition to dark fruit, there are nuances of graphite, leather, menthol, and spices, creating a complex and distinctive style.

reviews and storage potential

The 2023 La Petite Eglise received 91-93 points from William Kelley (The Wine Advocate) and 92-94 points from Antonio Galloni (Vinous). Critics emphasized the depth, refinement, and distinctive character of this wine. Its aging potential extends to at least 2043, with the wine developing even more harmony and complexity in the coming years.

Would you like to order Château l'Eglise-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.

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wine and food pairings

• Lamb chops with rosemary – the spicy character and juicy texture complement the meat beautifully.
• Risotto with truffle – the earthy notes of the truffle enhance the complexity of the wine.
• Grilled sirloin steak with garlic butter – the rich fruit notes and sweet tannins complement the full-bodied meat beautifully.
• Braised duck with orange – the fresh notes in the wine bring balance to the rich sauce.
• Roasted aubergine with thyme – the spiciness and structure of the wine match well with the earthy vegetable flavours.
• Aged Manchego – the salty and nutty flavours complement the length of the finish.