Clos l’Eglise 1999 is a mature Pomerol that shows how well this Merlot-leaning address can translate into texture and earthy nuance with time. Clos l’Eglise is a small Right Bank estate in Pomerol, where it is generally planted to Merlot with a portion of Cabernet Franc, and élevage is typically in a high proportion of new French oak—context that helps explain the wine’s polished feel and cedar-and-tobacco register as it ages.

At this stage, the 1999 is more about completeness than power. James Suckling gives the strongest appraisal here at an excellent 94 points, calling it “a very fresh and lively red with berries, mushrooms and floral undertones” and praising its “silky tannins” and “very complex and complete” profile. That mix of fruit brightness and savory detail is a recurring theme across tasters.

Several reviewers place the wine firmly in its drinking window. Jeff Leve (90 points) describes it as “at its apogee, or slightly past,” but still delivering a “plum filled, round wine” with classic Pomerol notes of “truffle, cocoa, smoke, espresso and black cherries,” carried by a “soft-textured palate.” The Wine Independent (90 points) likewise leans into maturity markers—“deep garnet… with a touch of brick”—while noting “blueberry pie, prunes, and fresh figs” plus “bay leaves, pencil lead, tobacco, and tar,” finishing “savory” with “chewy tannins.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (90 points) frames the vintage as one that “was over-shadowed by the feted 1998,” but says that with time it has become “a delightful Pomerol,” with a “generous” nose, “supple” mouthfeel, and finish marked by “leather and cedar.” Wine Spectator (90 points) highlights “exotic aromas of crushed berries,” “velvety tannins,” and “toasty oak,” and notes production of “1,580 cases made.”

Overall, Clos l’Eglise 1999 reads as a fully mature, classically styled Pomerol: savory, polished, and still flavorful, best enjoyed now rather than cellared for the long haul.