Drink 2008-2020
-Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide No 7

One of the few profound Pomerols in 1996, l'Eglise-Clinet turned out an uncommonly rich, concentrated wine that is performing well from bottle, even though it is displaying a more tightly-knit structure than it did from cask. The dark ruby/purple color is followed by notes of charcoal, jammy cassis, raspberries, and a touch of sur-maturite. Spicy oak emerges as the wine sits in the glass. It is fat, concentrated, and medium to full-bodied, with a layered, multidimensional, highly nuanced personality. This muscular Pomerol will require 3-5 years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020.

Dark red-ruby. Sappy, spicy aromas of black raspberry and toffee. Lush, large-scaled and mouthfilling; impressively seamless and sweet for the vintage. Has the fat of '97 along with a more obvious structural underpinning. Subtle and very long on the ripely tannic finish, with hints of leather and game.

The Château l'Eglise-Clinet 1996 has a more open bouquet than the 1995, and it still has that almost Burgundy-like purity and (for this Pomerol cru) a lightness of touch. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, grainy tannins and good acidity, though there is a touch of austerity and dryness towards the finish, which makes me think that it will be best enjoyed over the next ten years. Tasted March 2015.

In bottle. Mid to dark garnet. Vital nose with real energy and potential. Racy and a little bit muscular but with great dynamism. Firm with a great spicy appeal. Good acidity and still with some, but not uncomfortable, tannins. Complete and wonderful undertow. I was even more impressed by this than the 1995 which seemed a little wearier. (JR)