1990 l'Eglise Clinet

The 1990 l’Eglise-Clinet is probably a step behind the 1989 nowadays, as proven by being poured side by side here. Showing a little more degradation in color, it has a winsome, floral bouquet with mulberry and red plum fruit, as always. Perhaps the 1989 demonstrates a little more complexity? The palate is medium-bodied with fine structure, more backward than some of its Pomerol classmates with veins of cedar and dark chocolate towards the finish. It does not “kick on” like the finest vintages, but it remains a very fine wine. Tasted at the International Business & Wine Pomerol tasting.

The 1990 Château L'Eglise-Clinet is probably outshone by the superior 1989 these days, but as I remarked during this tasting, the difference between the two is less obvious than that of Vieux-Château-Certan. It has a more floral bouquet, the crushed violets more conspicuous and neatly folded into the mulberry and red plum fruit. I notice how its ferrous core becomes more obvious as it opens up. The palate, like the 1989, is remarkably structured and quite masculine for this vintage, gently gripping the mouth and leaving a residue of cedar and dark chocolate in its wake. You might be inclined to afford this 3-4 years more in bottle, although I will not dial 999 (or 911) if you find yourself opening a bottle now. Tasted January 2016.