La Petite Eglise 2018 (750ML)

91-93 Points+, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate: "Produced by Denis Durantou of Château L'Eglise Clinet, the 2018 La Petite Eglise is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with 35% new oak and 14.5% alcohol. This is the first time Cabernet Franc was used in the blend and the first time younger vines from L'Eglise Clinet were used. Deep purple-black in color, the nose is boldly scented of baked plums, Black Forest cake and kirsch with suggestions of forest floor, cinnamon stick, fertile loam and sautéed herbs with a waft of roses. Full-bodied, the palate is packed with fragrant black fruit preserves, textured by ripe, rounded tannins and finishes long and perfumed." 4/19

91 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 La Petite Eglise was picked September 18 to 28 and raised in 35% new oak. It is intriguing to read my notes from barrel, when this was "backward and reticent on the nose," since now is has attained some degree of youthful precocity, the black fruit mingling with kirsch and more floral, violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied and retains a sense of pliancy. Quite glossy, maybe richer than expected, and very persistent and pure, it reveals a hidden hedonism that it kept under wraps in barrel. Thoroughly delicious." 03/21

90-93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 La Petite Eglise is a gorgeous second wine from Denis Durantou's L'Eglise-Clinet. Creamy and plush, the 2018 wraps around the palate with fabulous density. The natural richness of grapes with thick skins and little juice comes through in intense dark cherry, mocha, spice and new leather flavors. Soft contours and plush, silky tannins give the Petite Eglise tons of immediacy. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this gem. Sadly, yields are down 60%. The blend is is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon." 4/19

94 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Plenty of crushed berries, cherries and plums, as well as fresh-mushroom and walnut undertones. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Beautiful second wine of L’Eglise Clinet." 01/21

91-93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: "Getting the younger vines from l'Eglise Clinet, the 2018 La Petite Eglise is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc brought up in 35% new French oak. Black cherries, tobacco leaf, some earth, and graphite notes all emerge from the glass, and it's elegant and rich at the same time. Nicely balanced, medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins and no hard edges, it's another terrific wine from this estate I'd be happy to drink." 5/19