La Petite Eglise Pomerol 2021

La Petite Église Pomerol 2021 - Pomerol, Bordeaux, France

The second wine of Château L’Église-Clinet, La Petite Église offers a more approachable window into this benchmark Pomerol estate. The 2021 shows lifted aromatics of red cherry, plum and blackberry with hints of violet, spice and gentle earthiness. On the palate it’s medium-bodied and finely balanced, with fresh acidity, polished tannins and a savoury, mineral-tinged finish. Elegant rather than powerful, this is very much in the refined, terroir-driven style Denis Durantou championed.

This wine is from the flagship estate of the Durantou portfolio, which is one of our favourite Bordeaux families here at KWM. Denis Durantou was one of Bordeaux’s most quietly influential winemakers, best known for elevating estates such as Château L’Eglise-Clinet, Château Montlandrie and Château Les Cruzelles to cult status through precision, restraint and an uncompromising focus on terroir. Renowned for his meticulous vineyard work and understated cellar approach, he championed balance and freshness long before they became fashionable, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape Right Bank Bordeaux today. The Durantou organisation is now led by Denis' daughters Noémie and Constance who are carrying the tradition into the future with grace and profound skill.

Grape varieties: Predominantly Merlot with Cabernet Franc

Style: Dry red, elegant Bordeaux

Drink window: 2025–2038

Perfect for: Roast poultry, pork dishes, mushroom-based cooking, soft aged cheeses, classic French bistro fare

Critic scores:

92 points - James Suckling

91 points - Wine Enthusiast

90-92 points - Vinous (Neal Martin)

Pure Pomerol finesse with earlier approachability - a beautifully judged second wine with serious pedigree.