Chateau L'Eglise-ClinetProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pomerol, Bordeaux

Château L'Eglise-Clinet is one of the most revered estates in Pomerol, known for producing wines of extraordinary depth, elegance, and complexity. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, L'Eglise-Clinet is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, consistently delivering a unique expression of the Pomerol terroir. With a history that spans several centuries and a commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, Château L'Eglise-Clinet is a true gem of the Right Bank.

History of Château L'Eglise-Clinet

The history of Château L'Eglise-Clinet dates back to the 19th century when the estate was formed through the merging of two smaller properties: Château L'Eglise and Château Clinet. The property was owned by the Rouchut family for several generations, and it wasn’t until 1983, under the stewardship of Denis Durantou, that the estate began to gain significant recognition.

Durantou’s dedication to quality and his meticulous approach to winemaking helped elevate Château L'Eglise-Clinet to the ranks of Pomerol’s elite. The estate has since become synonymous with some of the most sought-after wines in Bordeaux, known for their richness, complexity, and ageing potential.

The Terroir of Château L'Eglise-Clinet

The terroir of Château L'Eglise-Clinet is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 6 hectares of vineyards are located on the famous Pomerol plateau, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and deep blue clay, known as "crasse de fer." These soils provide excellent drainage and are ideal for cultivating Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the dominant grape varieties at L'Eglise-Clinet.

The vineyard is planted with 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the full potential of its terroir, with Merlot providing richness and roundness, and Cabernet Franc contributing structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château L'Eglise-Clinet to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château L'Eglise-Clinet

Winemaking at Château L'Eglise-Clinet is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 22 months, with about 70% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.