In the glass
Aroma: cassis, leather, graphite, black cherry, lavender, menthol, crushed rock
Palate: blackberry, sage, dark chocolate, powdery tannins, vibrant acidity, crushed rock
Merlot-dominant Pomerol with an unusually significant proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon giving structured backbone. Rich and concentrated with cassis, graphite, and leather; requires a minimum of 8-12 years in good vintages.
What it pairs with
-
Entrecote with bone marrow and shallot sauce
Firm tannins cut through marrow richness; cassis and graphite bring classical Bordeaux affinity with aged beef. -
Wild boar or venison with berry sauce
The wine's dark fruit and leather notes find their mirror in gamey meats; the high acidity lifts the sauce. -
Roasted lamb shoulder with flageolet beans
Classic Right Bank pairing: Merlot fruit wraps around slow-roasted lamb while Cabernet Sauvignon brings a structural grip. -
Aged Cantal or Cheddar
Firm tannic backbone is balanced by the salt and fat of aged hard cheese.
History
Old maps record Clinet vines as early as 1785. The estate gained international recognition with the 1998 vintage, which received 100 points from Wine Advocate under the stewardship of the Laborde family. Ronan Laborde acquired the estate in 2004 and has since significantly raised quality. Production stands at approximately 3,200 cases per year from 9 hectares.
- 1892 — Estate formally established under the Clinet name
- 1998 — Wine Advocate awards 100 points, launching Clinet into the top tier of Pomerol
- 2004 — Ronan Laborde acquires the estate and becomes owner-winemaker
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Clinet
- Grapes
- Merlot (75%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%)
- Classification
- Pomerol AOC
- Oak
- 18-22 months in 60-80% new French oak barrels
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Production
- 38,000 bottles
- Price
- €120-180 at retail
- Drinking window
- 8-35 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1892
Scores
- Wine Advocate 100 (1998 vintage, reviewed 2001)
- Wine Advocate 98 (2000 vintage, reviewed 2003)