2018 Clinet
By Chateau Clinet
2018 Clinet from Chateau Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
In the lush, intimate terroirs of Pomerol, the 2018 vintage of Clinet from Chateau Clinet eloquently narrates the story of a challenging yet rewarding season. This particular harvest, emerging from a year marked by extremities in weather, has achieved a graceful composition that encapsulates the essence of its birthright.
Weathering Wonders in the Wine World
The opulent Merlot-based blend endemic to this corner of Bordeaux saw a tumultuous start in 2018 with a wet spring, yet it was the balmy summer and a providential fall that allowed the grapes at Chateau Clinet to achieve optimal ripeness. Indeed, it is within this dance with nature that the true potential of the 2018 Clinet was forged.
A Vintage of Vigour and Vitality
On approaching the 2018 Clinet, one is greeted by an enticing mélange of rich black fruit aromas intertwined with hints of licorice and subtle smoky undertones – a testament to an adept maturation in French oak barrels. The palate reveals a lush tapestry of ripe plums and black cherries draped over a well-structured frame of velvety tannins. The climatic endurance imparted to this vintage has bestowed upon it a vitality that promises longevity; a truly investable trait for collectors and investors alike.
Indeed, amidst the highs and lows that typify Bordeaux's climatic tapestry, the 2018 Clinet exhibits an admirable concentration and depth. It stands as one of Pomerol's dignified achievements from an unpredictable year.
A Connoisseur’s Conclusion
The 2018 Clinet is an embodiment of resilience, a finely crafted vintage from Chateau Clinet that will seduce aficionados with its depth and dynamism. With careful cellaring, it will assuredly unravel further layers of complexity and charm. As a critical addition to any discerning investor's portfolio, this Pomerol is poised for appreciation, both in value and in character – much like those precious jewels that only reveal their true brilliance beneath a thoughtful gaze.
Market price (HKD)
HK$5,820.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
35.88
Scores and tasting notes
One of the star Pomerol names showing us how it’s done in 2018. This wine absolutely stands out, being beautifully vibrant and very polished, where you feel the individual strands of flavour and know it’s clearly going to age. Here you get licks of salted rosemary sprigs right on the nose followed by a silkiness and round mouthfeel that speaks to the alcohol but you certainly don't feel it. It’s well judged, very Pomerol, and on the dark side of the fruit scale, perhaps because this is Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, not Cabernet Franc. I found Clinet a little difficult to approach in 2017, giving it a highly recommended but at the low end of the scale, but here it is roaring back to form.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
The 2018 Clinet is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for approximately 16 months in French oak barriques, 75% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is locked down tight at first sniff, requiring a good amount of air to begin to reveal profound notions of stewed black plums, mulberries and black cherry compote, plus hints of black truffles, damp soil, tobacco leaf and chargrill with an emerging waft of cedar. The full-bodied palate is a full-on volcano of black fruit and molten rock waiting to erupt, with a solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with amazing length. There is a lot going on here, but it is a wine for the patient. Give it a good 5-7 years in bottle, at least, and drink it over the next 30+ years.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
This is a young red that really grows on the palate with so much dark fruit and firm yet luscious tannins. Full-bodied, it grows and grows on the palate. Extremely long and vivid. Solid as a rock. 15 per cent cabernet sauvignon, the rest merlot.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Clinet begins a little coy and then, with coaxing, opens out to vibrant black cherries, kirsch, baked plums and cinnamon stick scents with hints of cloves and anise plus earthy truffles and fungi wafts. Full-bodied and chock-full of bright, energetic fruit, it has a firm, finely grained structure and long, fragrant finish. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging is anticipated to last for 16 months in French oak barriques, 75% new.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
The 2018 Clinet is a powerful, explosive wine. Clinet is unusual for Pomerol in that the wine includes a good bit of Cabernet Sauvignon (15% in 2018). Gravel, smoke, licorice, grilled herbs, leather and menthol wrap around a core of plush, dark fruit. The Cabernet is very much felt in the wine's flavor profile and textural weight. Dense, rich and inviting, Clinet is a winner from proprietor Ronan Laborde. Tasted three times.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019