Château Clinet 2018

While the exact origins of Château Clinet are uncertain, the estate's history can be traced back to at least the 16th century. It is believed that the property was originally part of the larger Pomerol estate owned by the Knights of Malta. The name "Clinet" is thought to have evolved from "Cleinat," which was recorded in historical documents as early as the 16th century. Over time, the spelling changed to "Clinet," and the estate became known by this name.

Château Clinet is situated in the esteemed Pomerol appellation within the Bordeaux wine region of France. Pomerol is located on the Right Bank of the Gironde River, east of the city of Bordeaux, and is known for producing some of the world's most prestigious and sought-after wines. Surrounded by other renowned estates such as Pétrus and Vieux Château Certan, Château Clinet is nestled in the heart of Pomerol's prestigious viticultural landscape. The microclimate of the region is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, with maritime breezes helping to moderate temperatures and create ideal conditions for grape growing. Within Pomerol, Château Clinet occupies a prime location on the famous plateau, which is regarded as one of the finest terroirs in the appellation. The terroir of Château Clinet is characterized by its prime location on the Pomerol plateau, where the vineyards benefit from optimal sun exposure and excellent drainage. The soil composition is diverse, consisting of gravel, clay, and iron-rich deposits known as "crasse de fer," which contribute to the distinctiveness of the wines. These soils impart complexity, minerality, and structure to the grapes, resulting in wines of exceptional quality and character. 

Clinet has changed hands numerous times throughout its history. It was acquired by the Arnaud family in the late 19th century and later passed to the Audy family, who managed the estate for several generations before it was finally purchased by the Laborde family in 1998. It is currently owned by the visionary winemaker and entrepreneur, Ronan Laborde. Ronan Laborde took the helm of Château Clinet in 2004, following the passing of his father, Jean-Michel. Under Ronan's leadership the Château has undergone significant transformation and revitalization, with a renewed focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability. The estate's commitment to quality and innovation has propelled it to new heights of excellence.

Clinet’s vineyards cover approximately 11 hectares (27 acres) in area with around 7000 vines aged at 51 years. The vineyards are planted with a carefully selected mix of grape varieties that thrive in the region's unique soil and climate conditions, such as 90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc. The vineyards are predominantly planted with Merlot grapes, which thrive in Pomerol's clay-dominated soils and contribute to the rich, supple texture and ripe fruit flavors of the wines. Additionally, smaller proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are also grown on the estate. These grape varieties add complexity, depth, and aromatic intensity to the final blends, further enhancing the overall balance and complexity of Château Clinet wines. Within the vineyards, Château Clinet employs sustainable viticultural practices that aim to preserve the health of the vines and maximize the expression of terroir in the grapes. Some of these practices include meticulous canopy management, precise vineyard work, and careful monitoring of grape ripeness to ensure optimal fruit quality at harvest. The estate is committed to sustainable farming methods that respect the environment and promote the long-term viability of the vineyards.

"Including slightly more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, the 2018 Château Clinet is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon that was brought up in 75% new French oak. One of the superstars of the vintage, it has incredible elegance and finesse as well as gorgeous richness and depth. Notes of cassis and truffly dark fruits as well as tobacco, damp earth, chocolate, and lead pencil shavings emerge from the glass, and it's full-bodied, with a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, gorgeous tannins, and a great, great finish. It already offers incredible pleasure, but it won't hit maturity for another 5-7 years and should evolve for 30 years or more. This magical wine is in the same league as the 2015 and 2016, and drinking these beauties over the coming decades will be an incredible treat." - Jeb Dunnuck, (03/16/2021), Ratings: 99, Drink: 2021-2031

"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, (03/31/2021), Ratings: 97+

"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, (04/01/2019), Ratings: 97, Drink: 2027 - 2044