In the same league as the 1998, 2009, 2010, and 2016, the 2000 Clos L'Eglise reveals a healthy ruby/plum hue as well as mature notes of dried red and black fruits, tobacco, mint, and leafy herbs, with a touch of chocolate and spice emerging with time in the glass. The wine is full-bodied, concentrated, and seamless on the palate, with incredible purity and elegance as well as length. It's a Pomerol that has it all: incredible complexity and nuance, full-bodied richness and depth, and an inherent sense of elegance and purity. As with the 1998, it's fully mature yet is certainly going to hold for another decade. There's no need to delay gratification, however.

Seven years ago I said this was a monumental wine, and at two different recent tastings, it was a true star of the vintage. Its stunning dark plum color offers up notes of caramelized red and black fruits, toffee, smoke, Asian plum sauce, sweet cherries, chocolate, and espresso. Its spectacular aromatics do not disappoint on the palate, as this multi-dimensional, highly complex, opulent wine seems to have hit a magical point in its evolution. Full-bodied, and concentrated, there is no issue with drinking this dazzling effort now, but those who own it can certainly cellar it for another 15 or more years. Bravo! - Robert Parker

The Clos l’Eglise 2000 is a limpid dark ruby colour. The nose is reticent at first so minutes of coaxing is needed but after 30 minutes with exuberant kirsch and orange kirsch. The palate is full-bodied, fleshy on the entry, rounded and voluptuous, creamy in texture: pure black cherry fruits mixed with touches of blueberry and redcurrant. Voluminous on the finish, but backward and sultry at first but the opening up to reveal kirsch, orange zest and cassis. It just lacks a little definition on the finish when compared to other propitious vintages such as the 2005 and 2009.

Deep in colour, the 2000 Clos l’Eglise has a perfumed bouquet with black cherries, liquorice and incense, very pure and certainly a bit less feral than the 1998. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannins that frame the plush, fleshy red fruit, interlaced with liquorice, bay leaf, spicebox and sage. Maybe after 21 years there is a touch of dryness just creeping in on the finish, but it remains enjoyable. Tasted at the Clos l’Eglise vertical. -- Neal Martin