2021 Château Clinet
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Tasting notes
The unusual and high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon at Ch. Clinet (25%) was a great influence in the 2021. September’s sunny days and cool nights were ideal for ripening the variety. It provides the Clinet with a lovely cassis nose, with a scented lift of incense, and good structure on the palate. The aromas meld beautifully with the new oak, giving the wine a lovely peppery spice note. There is great clarity of fruit on the palate and impressive body and concentration, notably more than most – full of juicy blueberry, plum and red cherry fruit. There is a voluptuousness to the wine, yet it also remains elegant and full of tension. A real highlight. 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
Critic scores
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Vibrant crimson. Some leafiness on the nose – not unpleasant! Round, with the fruit dominant and already approachable. Some interest underneath but not much tannin at all. Not fighting the vintage. Clean and fresh but definitely simple. (JR)
The 2021 Château Clinet is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested between the end of September and the 12th of October, that was brought up in 80% new French oak. This deep ruby/plum-hued beauty has a great bouquet of ripe black cherries, blackberries, leafy tobacco, and spring flowers, with some classic damp earth, graphite, and chocolaty Pomerol nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, has beautifully integrated oak, fine tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It already offers pleasure but will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and evolve for 20 years if well stored.
The 2021 Clinet has a relatively light nose compared to other vintages: blackberry, wild mint, touches of graphite and just a slight herbaceous note that becomes more accentuated with time. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and fine acidity, quite spicy compared to its peers with, again, just a little greenness toward the finish (albeit less evident on a second bottle that shows more refinement). You feel that it's got something to offer a couple of years down the line, so give it some time in bottle.
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.