Made in a very forward style, the 2004 Clos l’Eglise offers sweet mocha-infused black raspberry and chocolate cherry-like fruit in its intense aromatics. In the mouth, it is pure silk, medium-bodied, and beautifully concentrated with no hard edges. Filled with sensual fruit, glycerin, and body, this is a delicious, food and consumer-friendly, complex Pomerol that should drink beautifully for 12-14 years.

As an indication of the ripeness of Merlot in 2004, this is a hugely rich wine, very ripe, almost raisiny in character. The fruit is dark and black, with a texture of jelly and flavors of blackberries.——R.V.(6/1/2007)—— 89