Clos L'Eglise 2009 (750ML)

98 Points, Robert M. Parker Jr., Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 is one of the sexiest wines in Pomerol in this vintage, offering up notes of melted caramel, sweet mocha, blackberry and black cherry fruit, with hints of loamy soil and unsmoked cigar tobacco as well as a touch of white chocolate and some subtle toasty oak. Round, opulent and unctuously textured, with a full-bodied mouthfeel, fabulous purity, and no hard edges, this sumptuous, fleshy, lavishly rich Pomerol can be drunk now and over the next 25 years. Starting with the resurrection of this property in 1998, I have long been a huge fan of Helene Garcin’s older vintages of Clos l’Eglise, so I am hard-pressed to say that the 2009 Clos l’Eglise (virtually all Merlot, with some Cabernet Franc) could be any better than her brilliant efforts in such vintages as 2000, 2001 and 2005." 12/11

94 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "This rich, toasty, showy style boasts lots of flashy anise and espresso notes up front, but ample layers of crushed fig, steeped plum and dark mixed berry fruit behind it. Nice grip strides in on the finish, with a graphite spine adding serious length and definition. This has plenty of steak to match its sizzle. Best from 2015 through 2030. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,000 cases made." 03/12

92 Points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast: "Ripe and fruity, this has ripe tannin and rich red-berry flavors. It has a solid, firm background of dark tannins that promise good aging." 02/13

94 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2009 Clos l’Eglise is well defined, focused and energetic on the nose. Brambly red berry fruit lace up with black truffle, sous-bois, mint and crushed stone. The palate is very well balanced with melted tannins, a fine bead of acidity. Harmonious with layers of raspberry coulis, strawberry, white pepper and sage. Fine precision on the finish, this 2009 is à point and should continue to improve. Excellent. Tasted at the Clos l’Eglise vertical." 06/21

97 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "This is a layered and very muscular red with a powerful tannin structure and gorgeous ripe yet fresh fruit. Full-bodied, layered and very exciting. Needs four or five years to come around still." 04/18