Since the acquisition of this estate in 1987 by the Garcin family, Clos l’Eglise has been consistently one of the top half dozen or so Pomerols, and once again, they have come through magnificently in 2004. A brilliant blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2004 boasts a deep plum/ruby color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of melted caramel, coffee, black cherries, figs, and plums. Full-bodied, rich, and textured, it is atypical in that it does not resemble the more linear, tarter style of most 2004s. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2016.

(13.4% alcohol, with a pH of 3.82) Saturated medium ruby. Exotic kirsch, violet and bitter chocolate aromas. Sweet, bright and perfumed; really coats the mouth with concentrated, explosive fruit. Very intensely flavored but also fleshy and pliant. Finishes with big, chewy tannins and a seductive, lingering chocolatey flavor. Wonderfully pure and scented Pomerol that tastes like it's from a year with full ripeness. A strong early showing. This well-situated chateau has been on fire in recent vintages.

The bouquet on the Clos l’Eglise 2004 is well defined, but very tight at the moment and not particularly expressive. It is stylistically similar to the 2002, but here there is greater fruit intensity that will emerge with time in bottle and putting the glass to one side, it rewards patience with attractive scents of sea salt, blackcurrant pastille and olive. The palate is well balanced with firm, slightly chalky tannins. It is not a complex Clos l’Eglise but the acidity is nicely judged and it sports a pert citric finish. This is an attractive Pomerol for the vintage. Tasted May 2012.

Drink 2008-2021
-Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide No 7

Made in a very forward style, the 2004 Clos l'Eglise offers sweet mocha-infused black raspberry and chocolate cherry-like fruit in its intense aromatics. In the mouth, it is pure silk, medium-bodied, and beautifully concentrated with no hard edges. Filled with sensual fruit, glycerin, and body, this is a delicious, food and consumer-friendly, complex Pomerol that should drink beautifully for 12-14 years.