It's agreed among most Bordeaux wine lovers that Right Bank, more specifically Pomerol, made good quality but not great reds in 1996. The 1995 was much better for Merlot and Cabernet Franc. So this 1996 Eglise Clinet came as a big surprise when I tasted it. The red shows wonderful complexity and beauty now. It's full body yet refined with black olive and berry character. It's so balanced and fine now. Very pretty. Drink now.

The Château l'Eglise-Clinet 1996 has a more open bouquet than the 1995, and it still has that almost Burgundy-like purity and (for this Pomerol cru) a lightness of touch. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, grainy tannins and good acidity, though there is a touch of austerity and dryness towards the finish, which makes me think that it will be best enjoyed over the next ten years. Tasted March 2015. - Neal Martin