1989 Clinet
By Chateau Clinet
The Storied 1989 Clinet from Chateau Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The esteemed 1989 Clinet remains as one of Bordeaux's most illustrious vintages, an emblematic year that magnificently encapsulates the quintessence of Pomerol. My engagement with the exceptional releases from Chateau Clinet has been profound and extensive, yet each encounter with the 1989 Clinet continues to stir the senses anew—a testament to its enduring grace and complexity.
Investing in Pomerol's Pristine Vintage
With a reputation for crafting wines of profound depth and elegance, the 1989 vintage at Chateau Clinet saw favourable climatic conditions juxtapose against their time-honoured winemaking traditions. This particular year was marked by an optimal growing season, with an ideal balance of sunshine and rain—conditions that allowed the Merlot-dominated blends to flourish gracefully on the right bank of Bordeaux.
A Distinct Expression of Terroir and Time
The intensely powerful character of the 1989 Clinet is immediately evident, presenting an opulent bouquet replete with ripe blackberry, cherry compote and an underpinning of truffle and Cuban cigar box that speaks to its refined maturity. On the palate, this wine unfolds like a well-paced symphony—opulent plum velvet waves are met by a delicate cadence of smoky oak and supple tannins. An unexpected swathe of freshness remains, imbuing the finish with lingering notes of violets and spice.
It is this harmony between robust fruit concentration and deft nimbleness that places the 1989 Clinet in a class all its own among seasoned wine investors. Evocative of its storied terroir, this vintage signifies not just an exceptional harvest, but also illustrates how sublime winemaking can elevate weather-endowed grapes into a masterpiece that stands resilient against time.
Considering investment opportunities within the fine wine market often requires insight into past vintages that show promise for continued evolution. The 1989 Clinet represents such an opportunity, combining historical significance with outstanding cellar potential—a compelling proposition for collectors and connoisseurs seeking to diversify with blue-chip Pomerol assets.
The Epitome of Fine Wine Investment Poise
In conclusion, the 1989 Clinet from Chateau Clinet is not merely another footnote in Bordeaux's rich annals; it is a living chronicle of a superb vintage brought to life through meticulous viticulture and visionary enology. As each year passes, it affirms its position as one of Pomerol's most sought-after treasures. Essential in a connoisseur’s portfolio, this vintage holds the allure to enchant palates while promising graceful aging for those astute enough to invest in its timeless splendour.
Market price (USD)
$8,410.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
344.5
Scores and tasting notes
This wine has such balance and harmony. I remember when it was young and how the new wood and intense fruit came out, but they have finally come together in such a beautiful way. It shows subtle and complex character of plums, cedar, dried flowers, and earth. The texture or mouthfeel is beautiful as you taste it.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, August 14th 2013
One of the great modern-day Bordeaux, the 1989 Clinet still has a saturated purple color and a sweet nose of creme de cassis intermixed with incense, licorice, smoke, and mineral. As the wine sits in the glass, more blueberry and blackberry notes emerge, intermixed with some toasty oak, earth, and spice. This spectacularly concentrated, full-bodied, multi-dimensional wine is the stuff of dreams. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025. Last tasted, 10/02.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 31 December 2002
Served from perfectly stored magnum, this compensate for two previous showing where the wine displayed “issues”. None here. It is blessed with a bouquet that rivets you to the spot, not a million miles away from Lafleur ‘89 with mulberries, cough candy, Italian cooked delicatessen and exotic yellow plums. It is beautifully balanced on the palate, full-bodied and very concentrated, though the passing years have worn its precocity down. What is interesting to see a sense of linearity and focus here that might not be so evident on bottle formats. So it achieves this wonderful juxtaposition of opulence and classicism to render a quite fabulous, multi-dimensional Pomerol that you just lose yourself in. It has divine clarity on the finish with black plum, liquorices and anis lingering long in the mouth. Finally, I get to experience this legendary wine. Is it perfect? Not quite. But I can understand the fuss. Tasted March 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013