CRITIC REVIEWS
Neal Martin
The 2016 Clos lEglise is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, and was the first to be picked by the Garçin-Léveque family (before Barde-Haut, dArce and Poesia). It has a high pH of 3.65 and it was matured in 100% new French oak. It has a very intense bouquet with macerated small black cherries, raspberry coulis, oyster shells and crushed violets, well defined and quite penetrating in style. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, layers of black fruit laced with black pepper and a touch of black pepper. There is a little chewiness to the texture towards the harmonious finish, which is one of the most primal that I have encountered in recent years. The barrel maturation will lend a little more sheen to this Pomerol--a long-term prospect that will deserve several years in bottle.
Richard Hemming MW
Plenty of fruit richness to match the new oak scent here, and the two seem to be integrating nicely already. Broad, complex, not jammy but certainly a rich, ripe style. Long and thick in texture. (RH)