CLOS L'ÉGLISE

The nose is perfumed lovely spring violets under which there is a mix of black cherry and cassis. Sweet fruit shows on the start of the palate but the mid palate and finish are fresher with more cherry and bramble. 2016-26 Rating: 87-89 Derek Smedley MW, www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk (Dec 2013)

The Grand Vin was picked from 26th until 28th September, including 15% Cabernet Franc. It has a tightly wound bouquet that requires patience, opening with aeration to reveal marine-tinged red and black fruit, with subtle floral notes. The oak is very well integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with a succulent entry, plenty of sweet red fleshy fruit laced with white pepper and a touch of spice on the finish. There is good substance here with fine grip on the finish. This will have long-term potential. Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2013)

The 2012 possesses a creamy texture along with a big, sweet bouquet of mulberry and black cherry fruit judiciously touched by smoky oak, graphite and forest floor notes. Round and generously endowed with a dense plum/purple color, fragrant aromatics, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and silky tannins, it should age effortlessly for 12-15 years. Proprietor Helene Garcin-Leveque has fashioned another gorgeous wine from her 15-acre vineyard planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. She also does a terrific job at her Pessac-Leognan estates of Haut-Bergey and Branon in addition to the St.-Emilion estate of Barde-Haut. This property has been on a qualitative hot streak since the late 1990s. 2013 - 2028 Rating: 91-94 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Apr 2013)