1997 Clos l'Eglise (Pomerol)

Fully garnet in colour. Wonderfully perfumed and generous considering the reputation of the vintage – earth, bracken, mushroom, chocolate and coffee. Plummy fruit which has the richness of a warmer-style vintage, seemingly. Entirely softened tannin that is drinking beautifully now, with enough freshness of fruit to contrast with the developing earthiness. (RH)

One of the few stars of this soft, consumer-friendly vintage, Clos l'Eglise has fashioned a dark ruby/purple-colored, sexy wine with ostentatious aromas of mocha, fudge, coffee, and sweet berry fruit intermixed with toasty new oak. Medium to full-bodied, opulently-textured, with low acidity, abundant glycerin, and lovely fruit, this is a triumph for the vintage. Drink this gorgeous Pomerol over the next 12-15 years.

One of the few stars of this soft, consumer-friendly vintage, Clos l'Eglise has fashioned a dark ruby/purple-colored, sexy wine with ostentatious aromas of mocha, fudge, coffee, and sweet berry fruit intermixed with toasty new oak. Medium to full-bodied, opulently-textured, with low acidity, abundant glycerin, and lovely fruit, this is a triumph for the vintage. Drink this gorgeous Pomerol over the next 12-15 years. Apr 2000, www.robertparker.com