Clos l’Eglise 2019 is a Pomerol red from the 5.9-hectare Clos l’Eglise estate, owned by the Garcin-Cathiard family. The vineyard is planted largely to Merlot with Cabernet Franc (often cited as 70/30 at the estate level) and farmed organically. Production is small—about 1,600 cases—and élevage is typically in 100% new French oak for an extended period (reported as 18–24 months).
In the glass, reviewers consistently point to ripe, dark-fruited Pomerol character paired with polish and structure. Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth calls it “alluring,” led by “red and black tea flavors” and “seductive cassis, blackberry purée and boysenberry reduction,” finishing with an “incense-lined” note and “nice fine-grained feel.” James Suckling similarly emphasizes refinement, describing “a delicious, fine-grained red” with “berry, chocolate, wet-earth and walnut,” adding that it is “very tight at the end with energy and structure.”
Several critics consider this a top result for the estate and the vintage. Jeb Dunnuck rates it 96+ and says it is “straight-up terrific,” delivering “full-bodied richness” with “ripe yet building, polished tannins” and “terrific overall balance,” while advising it “needs to be forgotten for 4–5 years.” Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider) also awards an excellent 96, calling it “rich, lush, opulent and polished,” with layers of “dark plums, black cherries, coffee beans, truffle, licorice and very dark chocolate,” and a long drinking window (2025–2047).
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown) highlights aromatic complexity—“red roses, candied violets, Sichuan pepper”—and an “elegantly played” palate with “ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness,” finishing “long and mineral laced.”
Decanter is a touch more reserved at 91, noting a “rich” texture and “black truffle,” alongside “clear tannic grip,” concluding it is “ambitious and confident” and “sure to age well.” Overall, 2019 Clos l’Eglise reads as a structured, dark-fruited Pomerol with notable aromatic detail and strong critical support, best approached from the mid-2020s onward.
