Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninmedium
Aciditymedium
Sweetnessdry
Finishmedium
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2022: best 2025 to 2032.
vintage3 yrs10 yrs12 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 2024202292/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninMedium acidityDryMedium finish

Aroma: red cherry, plum, soft spice, floral lift, light toast

Palate: smooth tannins, generous texture, ripe Merlot fruit, medium weight, fresh finish

The accessible second wine of Clinet from estate vines, made to reveal its qualities early. Smooth-textured, fruit-driven Pomerol Merlot with approachable tannins and genuine ageing potential without requiring long cellaring.

What it pairs with

  • Roast chicken with pan gravy
    Soft Merlot fruit and medium body complement mild poultry richness without overwhelming it.
  • Boeuf aux carottes (braised beef and carrots)
    The wine's smooth tannins and plum fruit work with slow-cooked beef and root vegetables.
  • Charcuterie board with cornichons
    Fresh acidity cuts through cured pork fat; plummy Merlot bridges rillettes and pate.

How to serve Fleur de Clinet

Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Roast chicken with pan gravy, Boeuf aux carottes (braised beef and carrots), Charcuterie board with cornichons. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Fleur de Clinet debuted in 1997 as the second wine of Chateau Clinet. Originally produced from declassified Clinet fruit, it is now sourced entirely from estate vines, reflecting Ronan Laborde's commitment to quality at every tier. It receives the same farming and vinification attention as the grand vin but in lighter-touch oak.

  1. 1997: First vintage of Fleur de Clinet produced
  2. 2004: Ronan Laborde refocuses production to estate vines only

Facts

Producer
Chateau Clinet · visiting guide
Grapes
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Classification
Pomerol AOC
Oak
18 months in 30% new, 70% second-fill French oak barrels
ABV
13.5%
Price
€30-50 at retail
Drinking window
3-10 from vintage
First vintage
1997

Frequently asked about Fleur de Clinet

What does Fleur de Clinet taste like?

On the nose, red cherry, plum, soft spice, floral lift, light toast. On the palate, smooth tannins, generous texture, ripe Merlot fruit, medium weight, fresh finish. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a medium finish. The accessible second wine of Clinet from estate vines, made to reveal its qualities early. Smooth-textured, fruit-driven Pomerol Merlot with approachable tannins and genuine ageing potential without requiring long cellaring.

When should I drink Fleur de Clinet?

Drink 3-10 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Fleur de Clinet?

Roast chicken with pan gravy is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Boeuf aux carottes (braised beef and carrots) and Charcuterie board with cornichons. Soft Merlot fruit and medium body complement mild poultry richness without overwhelming it.

What grapes are in Fleur de Clinet?

The blend is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is classified as Pomerol AOC.

Tags

cabernet sauvignon dry medium acid medium body medium tannin medium term merlot mood easygoing mood rustic occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world pairs with charcuterie pairs with poultry pairs with red meat price premium still red value pick

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