Clos l’Eglise 2017 is a Pomerol red from Bordeaux built on Merlot, with Cabernet Franc in support. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown) confirms the blend as “80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc,” and notes that the wine was “deep garnet-purple colored.” The estate’s style in 2017 reads as classic Right Bank: ripe fruit, savory accents, and firm but polished structure, with most reviewers pointing to both early appeal and meaningful aging potential.
Aromatically, the wine consistently lands in dark fruit and warm spice. Jeb Dunnuck highlights “blackcurrants, mocha, ground herbs, and hints of earth,” while Wine Spectator finds a “ripe, fresh core of plum and red currant fruit,” backed by “anise and sweet tobacco notes” and a “singed apple wood accent” on the finish. Perrotti-Brown adds lift and detail, describing “fresh black plums and black currants” with “black pepper and Indian spices plus touches of lavender and roses,” finishing “long and perfumed.”
On the palate, reviewers agree it’s medium-to-full-bodied and balanced. Dunnuck calls it “balanced, pure, layered Pomerol” with “ripe tannins, nicely integrated acidity,” saying it “does everything right in 2017,” and suggests drinking over “the coming 10–15 years.” James Suckling emphasizes texture—“a supple, fresh feel with a wealth of plush, smoothly arranged tannins”—and calls it “a bold Pomerol,” recommending it be “better in six-plus years.” Wine Enthusiast notes it comes “from a small estate,” with “delicious layers of ripe black plum and smoky tannins,” calling it “rich, full, generous and already opulent.”
Critically, the wine is strongly received, with several excellent reviews: Vinous’ Antonio Galloni leads at 94 points, praising its “rich, flamboyant intensity” and “terrific energy and a real sense of vibrancy.” Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, and Suckling each award 92 points, with Wine Spectator close behind at 91. Drink windows generally begin around 2021, extending into the early 2030s (Wine Spectator: “Best from 2021 through 2033”).
