2022 Clinet
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Tasting notes
Opaque in the glass, densely packed ripe blackberry and blackcurrant fruit is balanced by a distinct savoury edge from maturation in 80% new oak barrels. This is a powerful wine, with firm and direct tannin, but finesse comes from delicate violet and lavender notes woven through the palate, as well as a fine chalky minerality that drives a long, lingering finish. Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Clinet has a lighter nose than its peers, with red cherry and wild strawberry fruit, crushed stone and touches of black truffles. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, gentle grip, a little edgy though, overall a classic example of "less is more". Wonderful sapidity on the finish. Excellent. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
The 2022 Clinet opens in the glass with aromas of ripe cherries and berries framed by a lavish application of creamy new oak. Full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's dense and muscular, with rich structuring tannins, impressively lively acids and a vanillin-laden finish. While it remains nicely balanced, it will require a bit of patience for its élevage to integrate.
The Grand Vin from this terrific Pomerol estate, the 2022 Château Clinet checks in as 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 19 months in 80% new barrels. It's a beautiful Pomerol that clearly ranks with the greats from this address, offering a vivid purple hue, classic notes of cassis, leather, graphite, and black cherries, full-bodied richness, and a layered, seamless mouthfeel. It's another remarkable 2022 that brings the richness and depth of the vintage while staying light on its feel and flawlessly balanced. It has plenty of upfront appeal even today, yet there's ample structure here as well, and it's going to evolve beautifully over the coming 30 years or more.
About the producer
With Ronan Laborde at the helm, this property has become one of Pomerol’s most sought-after. He has increased the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, which historically represented half the vineyard area here.