2023 La Petite Eglise
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Tasting notes
There’s such polish to this vibrant second wine in 2023. It’s incredibly elegant and integrated – everything sitting so neatly, all tidy, compact and in balance. Alongside the waves of fruit and florals, there’s a hint of truffle and the saline tang that runs through the vintage. A wine of incredible length. Aged in 82% new oak, with 14.4% alcohol. Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The squid ink character which for me is a sign of both texture and flavour comes in strongly on the opening, and this flexes its stretched out tannins with confidence. Floral aromatics on the opening, fleshy raspberry fruit, ideally you give this three or four years before drinking, but it is already just so enticing that it will be hard to wait. Run don't walk, as they say. 82% new oak for ageing. Grapes drawn from the two plots near the church in the main L'Eglise Clinet vineyard, this is the last year before the new (massal selection) vines from the replanted section are included in 2024 vintage. One point upscore.
A gorgeous second wine from this brilliant family estate, the 2023 La Petite Eglise is based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that was aged in 82% new French oak. Ripe black cherries, melted licorice, graphite, smoked tobacco, and hints of truffly earth all shine on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a round, layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. It has an almost salty quality on the finish and is a pleasure to drink today yet will evolve nicely over the coming two decades. Drink 2026-2046.
The 2023 La Petite Eglise is a terrific second wine, if that term can even be used. Strong floral and citrus accents weave through a core of incisive red-toned fruit. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, cedar and pipe tobacco emerge with a bit of coaxing. I would give this a few years in bottle, as there is a lot of matière here, as the French like to say.
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.