2007 Clos L'Eglise BordeauxBlend

2007 Clos L'Eglise

Featured Review

While the 2007 vintage can be spotty, there are some real gems out there, and most are drinking spectacularly well today. Case in point, the 2007 Clos L'Eglise, which offers a soaring bouquet of cedar pencil, black cherries, blackberries, chocolate, graphite, and tobacco that develops beautifully with time in the glass. A medium to full-bodied, forward, sexy Pomerol with still present tannins yet a mature, ready to go style, it's ideal for drinking any time over the coming decade or more. Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck |

While the 2007 vintage can be spotty, there are some real gems out there, and most are drinking spectacularly well today. Case in point, the 2007 Clos L’Eglise, which offers a soaring bouquet of cedar pencil, black cherries, blackberries, chocolate, graphite, and tobacco that develops beautifully with time in the glass. A medium to full-bodied, forward, sexy Pomerol with still present tannins yet a mature, ready to go style, it’s ideal for drinking any time over the coming decade or more.

Jeb Dunnuck | 94 JD

This is a sensational 2007 with black-truffle, violet and dark-berry aromas. Medium to full body and firm, silky tannins. Balanced. Decadent. Drink.

James Suckling | 94 JS

Full medium ruby. Almost decadent aromas of crushed dark raspberry, framboise and coffee. Chewy, lightly saline and wild, with impressive stuffing and a nicely restrained sweetness. This edge-free wine possesses solid structure without any impression of hardness. Finishes with lovely melting Pomerol tannins.

Vinous Media | 91 VM

Tasted at the château, the 2007 Clos l’Eglise was a pleasant surprise with quite vigorous black cherry and bergamot scents, just a hint of black tea, certainly showing good intensity after ten years. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin, fine backbone, a pinch of cracked black pepper on the entry with a solid, slightly austere but focused finish that is resolutely classic in style. I appreciate the "Pomerol-ness" of this Clos l’Eglise. Drink now and over the next 6-8 years. Tasted March 2017.

Robert Parker Neal Martin | 90 RP-NM

Type of Wine	Bordeaux Red : Picture in your mind a combination of cedar, lead pencil, blackcurrant, plum and mineral aromatics, and texture that caresses your palate like a playful lover. The experience is thrilling from the first whiff to the final seconds of a tannic, generous finish - that is what you'll get from a Bordeaux Red
Varietal	BordeauxBlend
Country	France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world. For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide. France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity. France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.
Subregion	Pomerol

Producer	Chateau Clos L'Eglise : With only 800 hectares under vine, Pomerol is considered the smallest of all major winegrowing appellations in Bordeaux. The old adage proves true however, that good things do come in small packages. With approximately 150 proprietors, parcels of land are highly prized and extremely coveted. Pomerol is home to some of the most highly esteemed and sought after wines in the world; tremendous quality, limited production and high demand makes this one of the world’s most collectible wine provinces. Nestled behind its walled vineyards, the original farmhouse build in the 18th century of Chateau Clos L’Eglise proudly sits on beloved and highly desired terroir. The 5.9-hectare vineyard of Clos L’Eglise is planted to 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. These varietals thrive in terroir filled with rich clay and gravel-based soil with iron deposits located on a sloping hill. Their famous neighbors include Chateau Clinet, Chateau L’Eglise Clinet and Chateau Trotanoy. To say the local terroir is tremendous would be an understatement. The Moreau family, who were well versed in Pomerol and also the owners of Chateau Plince, would bring Clos L’Eglise into the modern era. In 1975 the property and wine making facilities of Clos L’Eglise were completely redesigned and modernized. The Moreau family then expanded the vineyard to its current size by utilizing land already owned and being used for pasture. A large percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon vines were ripped out and replaced with Merlot. This would make a tremendous impact on the quality and style of the wines moving forward. In 1997 the Right Bank estate took another step forward when it was sold to Sylviane Garcin Cathiard, sister to Daniel Cathiard who owns the mighty Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. Her ambition was quickly noticed as changes at the estate began to rapidly take place. Cathiard’s daughter, Helene Garcin was placed in charge of managing the property, Michel Rolland was hired as consultant and major renovations commenced. The facilities were once again modernized due to their aging state, the replacement of concrete vats was commissioned and the remaining Cabernet Sauvignon vines were ripped out and replanted to Merlot. Today, Clos L’Eglise is one of the most recognized names in Pomerol with an annual production of close to only 2,400 cases. Clos L’Eglise is a wine that demands patience but is rewarded with a rich, full-bodied wine that expresses ripe plums, chocolate and floral characteristics with a deep, concentrated, lush texture. Eight to ten years of bottle age is required before it can express its true potential and will age gracefully for up to 30 years. The property has a second wine named Esprit de L’Eglise.