Eglise Clinet 2008

The 2008 l’Eglise-Clinet was picked 1 to 6 October and matured in 80% new oak. It has a very refined and detailed bouquet that is less powerful than the 2009 or 2010, yet there is wonderful articulation of the terroir here, dusky black fruit laced with black truffle and a touch of undergrowth. It is the most recent vintage that suggests moving onto secondary aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, grippy in the mouth, fresh and vibrant with an almost chalky finish. This certainly deserves to be part of the 2008/2009/2010 triumvirate and it is furnished with a beautiful mineral-driven aftertaste. The insider’s choice? Most certainly. Tasted at the l’Eglise-Clinet vertical at the château in April 2018.

The 2008 Calon-Ségur has a perfumed, floral bouquet that is wonderfully detailed; raspberry and cranberry fruit flanked by rose petal and subtle iris aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and a crisp line of acidity. This is brisk and focused with a light black pepper note cropping up on the finish, the aftertaste judiciously sprinkled with pencil shaving and tobacco notes. This is a very fine Calon-Ségur from the Gasqueton era, but it needs more time. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 10-Year On tasting.

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.