1988 l'Eglise Clinet
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 1988 l’Eglise-Clinet has a rustic and ferrous bouquet with decayed red-berried fruit mixed with smoke and roasted chestnut, modest in terms of intensity and with Cabernet Franc in the driving seat. The palate is medium-bodied, the tannins a little hard and dusty with firm backbone. There are touches of dried blood and spice towards the slightly austere yet still satisfying finish, it just misses a little "warmth" compared to the following two vintages. Drink now as it will not improve. Tasting note taken from the Pomerol book by Neal Martin.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Very, very deep crimson. Strong Cabernet Franc aromas and attractive dustiness on the nose. Dry finish. Even a hint of Graves about this wine – good freshness. Then the opulence of Merlot cut by the vigour of 1988. 19 Jun 2004 (JR)
The 1988 is medium-bodied and admirably concentrated, with a nose of smoky oak and plums. It should be at its best between 1993 and 2002.
Slightly austere but it shows a lovely allspice and fruit character that draws you back to the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, racy finish.--L'Eglise Clinet vertical. Drink now through 2008. James Suckling,Wine Spectator 1999.
About the producer
Ch. l'Eglise-Clinet is one of the most unassuming wine estates in Bordeaux. You'd probably drive past it if you didn't have prior knowledge of its vinous output. There's no ostentatious gateway nor sweeping gravel drive.