Clos l’Eglise’s 2001 Pomerol comes from a tiny, 5.9-hectare Right Bank estate known for Merlot-dominant wines (the property is generally cited at 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc) and for producing only small quantities; Wine Spectator notes “1,330 cases made” in 2001. While some technical details are usually presented at estate level rather than vintage-specific, Clos l’Eglise is associated with a modern, polished style, including élevage in new French oak, and the 2001 shows that signature in the reviews.
The strongest critical endorsements are emphatic. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate awarded 95 points and called it “one of the candidates for the wine of the appellation in 2001,” citing a “huge spectrum of aromas” ranging from “smoke, mocha, chocolate, coffee” to “loads of blackberry, cherry, and currant fruit,” and praising an “elegant, medium-bodied… beautifully pure, well-delineated Pomerol.” James Suckling also rated it 95, highlighting how “very fresh and fine” it remains, with “almonds, walnuts, chocolate and dark berries,” plus “silky tannins and a fresh and focused finish.”
A notch below those top scores, several tasters reinforce the wine’s complexity and balance at maturity. Jeb Dunnuck (93) describes “menthol, assorted dark fruits, cured meats, and gamey notes,” framing it as “complex” and “pretty,” with “beautiful elegance, and outstanding purity of fruit,” adding it is “drinking at point today” while having “the balance to evolve nicely over the coming 7–8 years or more.” Vinous (Neal Martin, 93) finds a “vivacious bouquet with intense eucalyptus scents,” then “fine grain tannins” and “truffle and sage,” finishing “lively… with more energy than the preceding vintage.”
Wine Spectator’s 92-point review captures the texture: “fantastically silky tannins,” “cool mineral and berry character,” and a “long, caressing finish.” Overall, 2001 Clos l’Eglise stands out for aromatic range, polished tannins, and an energetic, mature Pomerol profile—backed by multiple excellent reviews, including two 95-point scores.
