Chateau Clinet

The Clinet story is one of an estate highly regarded in the early 19th Century,  that fell from grace only to rise phoenix-like at the tail end of the 20th century. When Robert Parker Jr. awarded the 1989 and 1990 vintages a perfect score, the world sat up and took notice. Whilst Clinet certainly has not been affected by the same Far East buzz that has surrounded the Left Bank estates, there is an expectation that with increased diversification in buying trends, it is set to enjoy a stronger international following in the future.

Clinet is one of the most brand conscious estates on the right bank and will often make subtle changes to bottle or case design in order to stay relevant. Back in 2011 they chanced upon some unexpected product placement in the remake of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' where Daniel Craig enjoyed a bottle of the 2005 vintage over dinner.

Since Ronan Laborde took over the estate in the early 90's he has made a number of changes, most notably was the introduction of Ronan by Clinet (Rouge and Blanc). Amongst other developments to the estate and winemaking procedures, the annual turnover has increased from $2m up to $10m under his stewardship.

Whilst past vintages have not found overwhelming favour with critics, Clinet now seems to be on something of a roll. The 2009 is a strong contender for investment and has been heralded as the finest vintage that the estate has yet produced, better even than the 1989. It attained the coveted 100-point score from Robert Parker and, in response, prices almost doubled from £1,200 to around £2,100 per case. After a trio of beautiful performers in 2008, 2009 and 1010, Clinet is firmly on the radar as a consideration amongst the investor and collectors market each vintage.

Once a sister to Petrus, both chateaux having been owned by the Arnaud family, the Clinet Grand Vin used to command one of the healthiest prices on the Right Bank. Following a sale to the Constant family in the 1860s, the estate was repeatedly sold and passed on- with four owners in four decades. The wine undoubtedly suffered at the hands of such incongruous treatment and things did not improve substantially until 1979, when Clinet came into the hands of Jean-Michel Arcaute by marriage and its fortunes turned. Arcaute hired the esteemed consultant oenologist Michel Rolland to assist in restoring the wine produced on his land to its former glory and the improvements were noticeable by some very fine vintages as the 1980s drew to a close. Despite Arcaute’s success, Clinet did not remain his for long. In 1998 John-Louis Laborde took over, and it is his young son who now presides there, after working with Michel Rolland for a few years, Ronan Laborde decided to 'fly solo' so they now produce all their wines themselves without any additional support.