Chateau Clinet - Pomerol 2021 (1.5L)

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Merlot 75%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25%

Clinet’s high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon is now a bit higher (some Merlot was removed in 2019). Ronan Laborde hopes to reach 50% Cabernet Sauvignon on his deep gravels. Unsurprisingly, Clinet tends to be more muscular, dark and brooding – particularly in recent hot vintages.

Chateau Clinet Description

But the ’21 has allowed contrasts to appear; with the ripe aromas of plum and Asian spice there are leavening notes of slate and tobacco. Enough of Clinet’s usual richer style remains, but there is also some subtlety and weave from the vintage that suits the wine very well indeed. Drink 2028-2045.

Decanter: 95 Points

An exceptional Clinet in 2021. Richly scented, dark and roguish, a touch of sour cherry and perfume to the nose. Round, supple, generous and vibrant on the palate - this has a lifeforce to it with nuance of red berry flavour and real persistency as well as juicy acidity. I love the upfront nature of this and the really quite vivid and expressive red fruits while the background gives the savoury, menthol, liquorice notes offering depth and wideness - lots of terroir and grape markers in the glass - particularly the high percentage (25%) of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Tannins are firm and supportive with the overall freshness lifting the frame, delivering a full mouthfeel with a density of tannins and black fruit that doesn't dip. Well worked and presented. A touch of wood on the finish but subtle and supportive. You also get the florality all the way through which is just so appealing. Supremely well worked, charming but also confident - I absolutely love it and it clearly stood out every time tasting it - four times in total. 45,000 bottles made, same production as 2020. - Georgina Hindle

Vinous: 94 Points

The 2021 Clinet is bold, explosive and dense. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 is a rich and ample wine of tremendous energy and tension. This represents a modern style of Pomerol that will drink well upon release and also age. - Antonio Galloni

Jeb Dunnuck: 93-96 Points

Coming from a mix of clay and gravelly soils spread across a 10-hectare vineyard and 40-year-old vines, the 2021 Château Clinet is another brilliant success by Ronan Laborde, who continues to make one of the greatest Pomerols out there. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon (which is a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon for Pomerol), it sports a deep purple hue to go with brilliant notes of blueberries, blackberries, violets, and minty herbs. More medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shows the fresher, elegant style of the vintage yet still brings plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, velvety tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It's a stunning success in the vintage that will drink nicely on release yet evolve for 20 years or more.