2018 Clinet
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Tasting notes
Higher Cabernet Sauvignon than usual because of the earmy season frost, giving a blend that nods back to 19th century Clinet where Cabernet was up to 50% of the plantings. Plenty of depth and chewy almost sticky tannins, well textured black cherry fruits, with cocoa bean, graphite and a slate-filled texture that pulls it all back into shape. 75% new oak barrels for ageing. Ronan Laborde owner. 38hl/h yield.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Some evolution at the rim. Quite evolved and integrated. Medium weight. Sandpaper tannins on the end. (JR)
Confident, poised, layers of graphite, slate, chocolate shavings, dark blackcurrant and blueberry fruits. These are big tannins that are going to need another five to 8 years in bottle, but the decadence is already clear, and this is a wine that is going to impress any table that it is served at in years to come.
The 2018 Clinet, which was cropped at 38hl/ha, has an exquisite bouquet of lavish black cherry and raspberry fruit, and still those bunches of violets I observed from barrel, flanked by potpourri. The aromatics are well defined and the new oak seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit. It has firmed up since I tasted in barrel, when I noted that it felt like a "muscular" Clinet in the making. That trait is emphasized in bottle, and those accustomed to the more hedonistic Clinets of yore might find it a tad more reserved and drier. But it is a style that suits it well. White pepper leaves the mouth tingling after it has departed, the fitting conclusion to a superb – dare I say cerebral? – Clinet that has a long and prosperous future.
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.