Petite Eglise (2nd label of Eglise Clinet) 2019

The 2019 La Petite Eglise is razor-sharp on the nose of almost pixelated black cherry and raspberry fruit, quite mineral-driven, focused and vibrant. The palate is medium-bodied, powerful and a little more dense than the Montlandrie, with ripe tannins and a grippy finish. This will require three or four years in bottle, but it may well merit a higher score down the line.

Score: 92+

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2023-2040 01 February 2022

The 2019 La Petite Eglise was picked 18-25 September apropos the Merlot and 26 September for the Cabernet Franc, matured in 35% new oak. It is vivacious on the nose with vivid raspberry, maraschino cherry, desiccated orange peel and subtle white pepper scents. The palate is silky smooth with fine grain tannins. Harmonious from start to finish, this is a sensual, seductive La Petite Eglise with spicy notes furnishing the finish. Another superb testament to the late Denis Durantou.

Score: 92 - 94

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2023-2040 01 June 2020

The 2019 La Petite Eglise is a wine of pure and total sophistication. Silky tannins, sweet, lifted aromatics and pliant fruit give the 2019 its elegant, sleek personality. All the elements simply fall into place. Noble and alluring, the 2019 is absolutely delicious. This is the second year La Petite Eglise has some Cabernet Franc, and that really comes through in the wine's aromatic lift and structural feel, especially over time. The Merlot was harvested from September 18 to 25, while the Franc came in on the 26th.Denis Durantou's 2019s are absolutely brilliant across the board. My tasting was obviously bittersweet, as Durantou lost his battle with illness just a few weeks prior. Denis Durantou was one of the most intriguing characters in Bordeaux. I can't say I knew him well, but I always enjoyed tasting with him, as he was a person that spoke more with his eyes than with words. Things were implied rather than overtly stated. So, I tasted the 2019s with daughters Constance and Noémie over Zoom, in typical 2020 fashion. The Durantou sisters describe 2019 as a year with an early flowering and homogenous ripening that led to small, concentrated berries and higher pHs than normal. Temperatures were kept cool in the cellar, where both alcoholic and malolactic fermentations took place over cuvaison of 21 days (for all wines), in a reductive environment with little oxygen. From top to bottom, the Durantou 2019s are positively stellar. Don't miss them!

Score: 92 - 94

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 01 June 2020

Intense and concentrated Petite Eglise, raspberry and blackberry fruit rippling through the body of the wine, held in check by a deftly confident frame. You're in Pomerol here, with sweet heady floral aromatics, tons of bright plump fruits and an accessibility to the tannins that makes it extremely enticing. Easy to recommend this 2nd wine of L'Eglise Clinet. 30% new oak.

Score: 93

Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2023-2040 20 May 2020

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc; 35% new oak. This is the second year the young-vine Cabernet Franc from L’Église-Clinet has been added. Barrel sample. Exudes charm, the aromatics and flavour pure, fragrant and redolent of summer fruits. Fine, supple tannins. Good tension and balance. Finishes clean as a whistle. More for the short/medium term than the long haul. (JL) 14.5%

Score: 16+

James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2023-2031 25 May 2020