2007, Pomerol, Château L'Église-Clinet
About Producer
Among a handful of stars in Pomerol, I have an unreserved admiration for the late Denis Durantou (1957-2020) who took over in 1983 the reins of L’Église-Clinet, the family estate created by one of his forefathers in 1882. L’Église-Clinet is a 5.5ha estate on gravel, sand, clay and iron soils, with an average vine age of 45 years old and a tiny production of 15,000 bottles per year. Thanks to his unwavering commitment to quality, Denis Durantou single-handedly propelled his estate into the top flight of the appellation by producing quintessential wines of outstanding class and character, far removed from the overripe and noticeably oaky style that often attracts critical acclaim. His daughter Noémie has now taken up the task of perpetuating her father’s vision and legacy.
Varietals
Blend of 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc.
About Appellation
Pomerol has 792ha of vines sitting on a diverse range of gravel, sand and clay soil types. Vines were initially planted by the Romans and further expanded in the 12th century by the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of Saint-John of Jerusalem. Devastated during the Hundred Years' War and successive wars of religion, the vineyards were eventually reconstituted in the 15th and 16th centuries, when the Knight Hospitallers set up their first Commanderie in Libourne to welcome pilgrims travelling along the Way of Saint-James to Santiago de Compostela. Home to the top properties is a small plateau of 20ha at the eastern section of the appellation described as a 'boutonnière' (buttonhole) of blue clay, known as 'molasse', sitting on top of a band of sand and gravel rich in iron oxide, known as 'crasse de fer'. Merlot is the dominant grape variety, with cabernet franc playing a supporting role.
Tasting Notes
Captivating nose of red and black fruits, liquorice, tobacco, leather and floral scents, rich mouthfeel with seamless texture, fine structure and excellent focus, multilayered flavours of red currant, blackberry, strawberry marmalade, cinnamon, clove, truffle and sous-bois notes interlaced with savoury mineral undertones, well-embedded acidity and resolved tannins leading onto a long, amazingly pure finish. This is a superb wine with composed poise, effortless balance and graceful charm, a brilliant effort for a difficult vintage. Though lacking the complexity of greater years, this is one of the best Pomerol in 2007 with a thrilling display of remarkable density, precision and freshness while cloaking its controlled power in exquisite finesse. (07/2023)