Chateau Domaine De L'Eglise Pomerol

Domaine de l'Eglise is one of several Pomerol producers using L'Eglise as part of their name. Domaine de l'Eglise could be the oldest vineyards in the entire Pomerol appellation.

It is thought that the estate was founded in the 16th century. There are records dating the estate back to 1589. Although at its inception, the property was probably used as a hospital or even a hospice for lepers.

Jumping ahead to more modern times, like many estates, the vineyards of Domaine de l'Eglise were devastated in the 1956 frost. The vineyard needed to be completely replanted. At some point after the replanting took place, the owner of the estate made a management and sales agreement with Borie Manou.

In 1972 a deal was struck when the Landard family, who had owned the vineyard since 1793, sold Domaine de l'Eglise to the well-known Casteja family and Borie Manou.

After the purchase in 1972, Philippe Casteja was placed in charge in managing the Pomerol estate. It took several years before the estate began producing strong wines. Starting with the 2009 vintage, the quality of wine being produced at Domaine de l'Eglise took a turn for better, which is easy to see, once you've tasted the wines.

Merlot, Cabernet Franc

To produce the wine of Domaine de l'Eglise, vinification takes place in four, short, 100 hectolitre, temperature controlled, stainless vats. The wine is then aged in an average of 40% new, French oak barrels for between 16 and 18 months, depending on the character and style of the vintage, before bottling.

The 2015 vintage was made from a blend of 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc.

Black raspberries, night blooming blossoms, cocoa, a smattering of fennel and a touch of mint on the nose. Medium-bodied, silky tannins, soft in texture with a cocoa-dusted, earthy flair and fresh, black cherries in the finish.

Domaine de l'Eglise is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised and grilled dishes.