Showing beautifully, the 2011 Clos L'Eglise shows a kiss of maturity in its cassis and jammy currant fruits. It has complex notes of crushed rocks, graphite, dried tobacco, and chocolate, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and terrific balance. The 2011 vintage has been maligned in the press, but the wines are showing nicely today. This is at the early stages of maturity and will evolve gracefully for another 10-15 years.

This is a tannic and tight 2011 with linear drive and focus. Violets and black olives, but crushed-stone and berry undertones, too. Medium to full body. Bright finish. Just coming around now.

Another beautiful wine from the Garcin family, Clos l’Eglise, which had been a moribund estate for decades, leaped to the forefront in the late nineties where it has remained ever since. The dense ruby/purple-hued, medium-bodied 2011 possesses abundant notes of sweet black cherries, licorice and plums as well as impressive purity, texture and length. It should be at its peak in 2-3 years and last for 12-15. Usually, this is a blend of 80+% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc.