France, Bordeaux

In a region of modest architecture, the high-spired church in Pomerol tends to dominate the sky-line. Gathered around it, a trio of estates trumpet their proximity with their name – Domaine de l’Eglise, Château l’Eglise Clinet and Clos l’Eglise. In fact, l’Eglise Clinet and Clos l’Eglise, separated only by a narrow lane, used to form a single estate until they were divided in inheritance in the latter half of the 19th Century. Clos l’Eglise’s rise to prominence has been rapid, dating from the purchase of the estate in 1997 by Sylviane Garcin-Cathiard who already owned a couple of châteaux in Pessac-Léognan and whose brother is the owner of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. The €12mil. price tag turned heads at the time although, given the continued growth of interest in Pomerol, it now looks like Sylviane got herself a bargain. The 5.8ha of vineyard are planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, and run by Sylvaine's daughter Hélene Garcin, who also runs the family's other properties, Haut Bergey, Branon, Poésia and Barde Haut. The consultant oenoligist since 2015 is Thomas Duclos. The wines are fermented in stainless steel, and aged 16 to 18 months in new barrels. There was a surprising amount of Cabernet Sauvignon at Clos l’Eglise when the family took over, all of which has been done away with. The Clos produces around 1200-1500 bottles per vintage.