La Petite Eglise (2nd label Eglise Clinet) 2015

The second wine of Eglise Clinet, the 2015 La Petite Eglise is a pretty, elegant, even Burgundian, 2015 that opens up beautifully with time in the glass, Ripe red currants, cherries, sandalwood, cedary spice, and dried floral notes all emerge from this medium-bodied 2015 that has fine tannin and a great finish. It’s certainly not a blockbuster but excels on its finesse and elegance. Drink it anytime over the coming decade. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to taste the top cuvee from this estate. 2018 - 2028

Depth on the nose the mix of black frits is ripe. The palate is lush velvety and supple the mid richness balanced by underling bramble. Depth of sweet fruit on the back palate yet the finish has freshness fragrance and elegance. 2025-38

There’s very little to choose between the Grand Vin and the second wine at this stage, whichmakes this something of a bargain. Rose petal and red fruit aromas are complemented byfresh, grassy acidity, subtle oak and silky tannins. Lovely, focused Pomerol. Drink: 2022-30

The nose is a little muted and a little reticent and the palate is also shy and a few months behind where it normallyis at this time of year, but it is clear that this is a highly complex wine. As with the Grand Vin, Denis Durantou openedtwo samples - a freshly taken sample and one from four days previous and even thought the assemblage has alreadybeen made and the wine has been racked in February he explained that every barrel shows subtle differences and thisis apparent in these two samples. It is highly likely possible that this will be a mighty and particularly long-lived wine.

The 2015 La Petite Eglise is pure Merlot picked on 24 September at 41 hl/ha and matured in 45% new oak. It has a vivacious, precocious bouquet for a deuxième vin, kirsch and raspberry coulis, a touch of orange blossom. It is not an exotic bouquet, but it knows how to have fun. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, good depth in the mouth, perhaps just a little pinched on the finish at the moment, but it will have its fingers pried open by the end of its élevage. As such, give this a couple of years in bottle before broaching. Drink 2018-2030.

Only mid crimson. Quite gamey and fun. Very approachable. Attractive sweetness and spice but without the concentration of a great 2015. Easy and floral. Fun.Drink 2020-2028

The nose is a little muted and a little reticent and the palate is also shy and a few months behind where it normallyis at this time of year, but it is clear that this is a highly complex wine. As with the Grand Vin, Denis Durantou openedtwo samples - a freshly taken sample and one from four days previous and even thought the assemblage has alreadybeen made and the wine has been racked in February he explained that every barrel shows subtle differences and thisis apparent in these two samples. It is highly likely possible that this will be a mighty and particularly long-lived wine.