A smokier expression than most, this is hugely enjoyable and still intense in colour on its 10th birthday. Expect layers of juicy, succulent black cherry with graphite, and just a hint of black truffle that should develop more over the next decade. Great depth of flavour that stretches out through the palate.
Tasted by Jane Anson (at BI, London, 01 Jan 2018)
Part of How Bordeaux 2008 wines taste now: 70 top names rated

A remarkable wine in this vintage, L’Eglise Clinet’s 2008 has a color almost as dark as the barrel sample of 2010. Classic mocha and caramel-infused creme de cassis and black cherry notes, with hints of licorice and loamy soil soar from the glass of this opaque ruby/purple, aromatically compelling wine. Opulent, expansive, and savory, with a broad texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel, terrific purity and a layered finish, this is another big, massive wine that transcends the vintage character, and will probably need 7-10 years of bottle age. It should keep for 20 or more years as well.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #194, May 2011)

The 2008 L’Eglise-Clinet has a very perfumed, unapologetically floral bouquet replete with expressive red berry fruit laced with crushed limestone and truffle scents, almost Burgundy-like in terms of purity. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy cranberry and raspberry fruit, a fine and almost symmetrical structure with the density and mass you expect from Denis Durantou’s Pomerol. The Cabernet Franc lends a savory, almost dried blood note towards the long, persistent finish. This is ageing with style. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.) - vinous.com, February 2018

The fruit is ripe, deep dark and plummy, Concentrated, full and showing its licorice, dark 100% cocoa filled chocolate, tobacco leaf and licorice work well with the ripe, sweet plums. Still a bit tight today, as expected, give this 3-5 years to fill out, soften and come together and you will have an outstanding wine.

This is lilting, with perfumy incense and warm cherry confiture aromas giving way to a still-compact core of plum, red currant and melted red licorice. The long finish has some grip to shed, with plum skin, spice and floral notes flittering in and out. Best from 2013 through 2018.