Ch.Clos L'Eglise 1999 750ml

Wine Advocate #Interim End of July 2016, Jul 29, 2016, by Neal Martin
The 1999 Clos l'Eglise was over-shadowed by the feted 1998 at the time, but now with 16 years on the clock, it is really turning into a delightful Pomerol. There is only a touch of maturity on the rim, while the nose is generous: hints of fig infusing the laid-back red berry fruit. It's like a friendly aunt inviting you in the front door. The palate appears now fully mature, but there remains plenty of brambly, almost confit-like fruit to enjoy, supple in the mouth with a fine line of acidity, leather and cedar notes coming through on the finish that is just beginning to show dryness. Enjoy this Pomerol over the next 4-5 years, but probably not longer. Tasted June 2015.

The estate of Clos L’Eglise is one of the older chateaux in Pomerol dating all the way back to the 18th century. That is also when the farmhouse that is in use today was constructed. At the time, Chateau Clos L’Eglise was a larger estate. In fact, the property was at one time part of the Gombaude Guillot estate. Eventually the vast estate was split in half. On one side of the street, you had Chateau Clos l’Eglise, which was owned by the Rouchut family. Across the street sat Chateau Clos l’Eglise-Clinet, which was owned by the Mauleon family. In time, Chateau Clos l’Eglise Clinet eventually changed its name to Chateau l’Eglise Clinet.
The property shares a similar climate to that enjoyed by both St.Emilion & Pomerol: more continental than the maritime Médoc with generally more spring rainfall, though less in summer & winter. Its vineyards (Merlot 57%; Cabernet Franc 36%; Cabernet Sauvignon 7%) lie on sandy-gravel topsoils, underpinned by a hard-pan clay subsoil. Fermentation in wooden vats before 24 months of maturation in new oak barrels.

Meats, Beef and Venison