I'd put the 2016 Clos L'Eglise up with the top vintages out there, including the 1998, 2000, 2005, and 2009. It has a similar level of purity compared to the 2015 yet offers even more power and concentration. A huge nose of crème de cassis, crushed violets, graphite, lead pencil, violets, and damp earth gives way to a flawlessly balanced, full-bodied 2016 that has sweet tannins, no hard edges, and that rare mix of power and elegance. Do your best to hide a case of this beauty in the cellar. It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face any time over the coming 25-30 years!
97 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Oct 2020)
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Clos L'Eglise rolls effortlessly out of the glass with bombastic scents of stewed black plums, juicy blackberries, and redcurrants, plus nuances of cedar, pencil lead, Indian spices, and lilacs. Medium to full-bodied, firm, and finely grained, the palate is jam packed with vibrant black and red berry layers, leading to a long and perfumed finish on this gorgeous wine.
97 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Jan 2023)
The 2016 Clos l’Eglise has a delineated and very focused bouquet with rose petal and mint tinged red berry fruit, touches of truffle and chestnut emerging with time. The palate has improved since I last encountered it, gaining more precision and mineralité. It is finely poised with hints of dark chocolate and mint, less leafiness than I have noted in the past. The 2016 is finally coming into its own. Tasted at the Clos l’Eglise vertical.
95 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Jun 2022)
Lots of smoke, black olives and brown sugar to the ripe fruit on the nose. Full body, rich and chewy tannins and a spice, toffee, smoke and coffee finish. Not overdone. Needs at least five years to come together. Try after 2024.
95 points, James Suckling (Apr 2019)