1986 Clinet
By Chateau Clinet
1986 Clinet from Chateau Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 1986 vintage from the celebrated Chateau Clinet emerges as a befitting hark back to an era that was a crucible for truly magnificent Bordeaux. The year's growing season brought challenges, which in turn cultivated vigour and complexity within the vines of Pomerol. This resulted in grapes that captured the essence of fortitude intertwined with finesse—a hallmark of the resilient spirit of the region's terroir.
Investment-Inclined Palate Precision
As a robust investment option for fine wine connoisseurs, the 1986 Clinet astutely encapsulates the distinct character of the year. It was a year that shrugged off the bashfulness of youth relatively early in its life cycle, revealing layers that have since matured into a splendidly nuanced complexity over the decades. Seeking out this remarkable vintage can be likened to uncovering an artistic masterpiece—its value growing ever more pronounced with each passing moment.
A Season of Rigour, A Wine of Character
With a challenging climatic persona, 1986 set down miles apart from preceding and successor vintages. These conditions birthed a spirited showing from Chateau Clinet, offering us a wine draped in deep garnet hues and embracing an aromatic tapestry woven with hints of truffle, leather, and dark chocolate. A structured palate carries forth bold flavours of blackcurrant and spiced plums, alluding to diligent vinification.
Chateau Clinet's vinous craftsmanship is further evidenced in the 1986 Clinet’s graceful ageing potential which has allowed it to enter a splendid phase of drinking maturity, harmonising tannins and acidity like few others can claim.
A Historical Vintage As An Investment Cornerstone
In conclusion, weaving together the meticulous details of its intricate flavour profile and outstanding longevity, the 1986 Clinet surely sits as one cornerstone in any prudent investor’s cellar. Its capability to stir the senses while holding firmly onto its investment-worthy stature sets it apart within fine wine portfolios, akin to rare gemstones that burnish brighter in a collector's cache over time.
Market price (USD)
$2,810.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
230
Scores and tasting notes
The 1986 Clinet, which was made by Jean-Michel Arcaute and vinified in the previous winery in concrete vats without thermoregulation, a facility presently used to house tractors! It was picked from 29 September. For a Right Bank Pomerol it has a very pleasant bouquet. It comes across as being very pure with red cherries, mulberry, truffle and a touch of wild mushroom - clean and surprisingly detailed. The palate is medium-bodied with light, slightly grainy tannins. This is fully mature, quite earthy in style and attenuates a little towards the finish. Yet the late Arcaute was a talented winemaker for sure and this 30-year-old is blessed with fine balance and freshness, even as it gently fades year by year. It deserves a polite round of applause. Tasted September 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 December 2016
With relatively high tannin, there is a certain dryness and astringency in the finish of this dark plum/garnet-colored wine. Nevertheless, what precedes it remains impressive. The wine exhibits a big, spicy nose, with still some lingering oak intermixed with licorice, floral, and blueberry fruit. Medium bodied, with excellent depth but hard tannin, this wine seems typical of so many 1986's
Robert Parker Jr - Bordeaux Book, 4th Edition Jan 2003
Tasted at the chateau, this Clinet '86 has a deep garnet core with tawny rim. The nose is attractive just as it was a few years ago, wild mushroom aromas, dried leaves, a touch of gravel and antique bureau. The palate is medium-bodied, good weight, firm grainy tannins with the savoury Cabernet Franc imparting notes of roasted chestnut, a touch of pepper, some dried orange rind leading to a slightly bitter, drying finish. This is a decent Pomerol from a difficult vintage although now I would suggest larger formats would give more pleasure. Drink now. Tasted May 2009.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011