2012 Clinet
By Chateau Clinet
2012 Clinet from Chateau Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
In the pantheon of Bordeaux vintages, 2012 has often been delicately referred to as a "vigneron's year," marking it as a season that truly reflected the skill and dedication of the winegrower. Amid this challenging vintage arose the resilient and vibrant 2012 Clinet from Chateau Clinet, a wine that has since spoken volumes about the artistry possible in even the more capricious of years.
A Testament to Talent and Terroir
The 2012 vintage across Bordeaux presented a mixed bag of climatic conditions, leading to an acute necessity for meticulous vineyard management. At Chateau Clinet in Pomerol, their astute vine-tending bore fruit in the form of a richly textured wine which effuses elegance and structure. For investors looking at potential and longevity, these are salient attributes that make the 2012 Clinet an alluring addition to a fine wine portfolio.
Character Shaped by Challenge
Impressions of the 2012 Clinet must begin with its deeply engaging bouquet; fine mint-flecked cherries commingle with earthy undertones—imparting an unmistakable sense of place. Pomerol's signature Merlot grapes carry this vintage, offering a plump yet poised core that interlaces gracefully with threads of Cabernet Franc spice. The resulting tannic frame is firm but forgiving, heralding a potential for graceful aging.
On the palate, one is greeted with a mélange of blackberry and plum, underpinned by nuances of truffle and cocoa—hallmarks of a patient vinification process that paid homage to the variable weather without succumbing to it. The 2012 Clinet from Chateau Clinet articulates its narrative through layers that unroll steadily; it's a meditative draught for those who appreciate depth over immediacy.
The tale of this particular bottle from Pomerol is one charted through resilience—a harmonious union between winemakers' expertise and an organic response to Mother Nature's whims. As such, the 2012 Clinet emerges as a thoughtful investment choice—one not merely defined by its year but elevated by it. It promises to reach its zenith with considered cellaring and stands poised to delight investors with its journey from vine to vase.
Market price (GBP)
£725.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
48.33
Scores and tasting notes
With a dense purple color and gorgeous levels of fruit, especially black raspberry and blackcurrant, this full-bodied, opulent style of wine is another great success for Clinet, a château that has been on top of its game for the last decade. This is stunning stuff, and whatever new oak has been used – and there is plenty – it is totally disguised by the luxurious and extravagant fruit level. This full-bodied, opulent Pomerol should drink well for 15 or more years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2015
Although hardly comparable to what Clinet achieved in both 2009 and 2010, the 2012 Clinet is another star of the vintage. A powerful, full-bodied, muscular Pomerol, it reveals a dense purple color in addition to lots of opulence, a layered, full-bodied richness (somewhat atypical for the vintage), beautiful density and plenty of mocha, black cherry, truffle and graphite notes. It is a surprisingly full yet accessible Clinet that will be drinkable long before the 2009 and 2010 hit their plateaus of maturity. Drink the 2012 over the next 15 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206
The Clinet was started early on 8th September for the young vines, picked at just 12hl/ha and returning on the 14th to tackle the young vines. It was then picked 10th, 20th, 26th and 27th September for the Merlot, the 9th October for the old Merlot vines and the Cabernets the following day. That means it was picked over 32 days, the teams of pickers returning several times to the same plot in order to pick at the optimal ripeness. The alcohol level is 13.2%, more the 1-degree less than the 2010 and it was cropped at 34hl/ha. Clinet was expanded in 2011, so the blend is now 90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc and Ronan told me that he is considering increasing the percentage of Cabernet in the future. There is fine precision on the nose with marine influences – hints of Japanese nori and seashells developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and very natural with fine tannins. This is a less hedonistic Clinet for sure, but very well balanced and full of character, perhaps reflecting the terroir with more clarity. With modest length, this is a well-crafted Clinet for medium-term drinking. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
This is racy and austere but in a very good sense. It’s full-bodied, and very integrated with orange peel and a juicy, salty finish.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 21st 2013