(93+ points) Showing beautifully, the 2011 Clos L'Eglise shows a kiss of maturity in its cassis and jammy currant fruits. It has complex notes of crushed rocks, graphite, dried tobacco, and chocolate, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and terrific balance. The 2011 vintage has been maligned in the press, but the wines are showing nicely today. This is at the early stages of maturity and will evolve gracefully for another 10-15 years.

Tasted at the Cercle de Rive Droite (from new bottles that I requested.) The Clos l'Eglise has a sorbet-like freshness on the nose. It is probably unfair to compare it to the outstanding 2010 but it is certainly lighter and not as complex yet very well delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with attractive slightly chewy tannins and very well judged acidity rendering this a harmonious Pomerol that does not have any intention of outdoing the 2010. It is a little broody on the finish but it should turn out to be a "solid" Pomerol. Tasted April 2012.

Another beautiful wine from the Garcin family, Clos l’Eglise, which had been a moribund estate for decades, leaped to the forefront in the late nineties where it has remained ever since. The dense ruby/purple-hued, medium-bodied 2011 possesses abundant notes of sweet black cherries, licorice and plums as well as impressive purity, texture and length. It should be at its peak in 2-3 years and last for 12-15. Usually, this is a blend of 80+% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc. - Robert Parker

The 2011 Clos l’Eglise has a fresh bouquet, light but focused, red berry fruit laced with leather, mint and fleeting glimpses of orange rind. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, quite harmonious with fine weight, and slightly savory red fruit. It lacks a bit of persistency on the finish, but otherwise this represents a very commendable take on a more challenging vintage. Tasted at the Clos l’Eglise vertical. -- Neal Martin