Château Clinet 2018

$135.95
In Stock   Usually ships in 2-5 days, weather permitting
SKU
1196-2018
Estimate Fees

• Domaine: Château Clinet
• Appellation: Pomerol
• Origin: Right Bank, Bordeaux, France

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 The name "Clinet" is thought to have evolved from "Cleinat," which was recorded in historical documents as early as the 16th century.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.

Tasting Notes

"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, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, (4/23/2019, Bordeaux 2018 Issue), Rating: 94-96

 "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, Jebdunnuck.com, Rating: 99, Maturity: 2021-2031

More Information
LWIN 1008225
Stock Status In Stock
Appellation Pomerol
Vintage 2018
Brand Château Clinet
Shipping Weight 3.000000
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Pomerol is one of the most prestigious wine appellations in the Bordeaux region of France. Located on the Right Bank of the Dordogne River, in its earlier history, the area was primarily engaged in mixed agriculture. It was home to many apple (“pommes,” in French) orchards that gave the name to the appellation. Its origins date back to the Knights Hospitallers, symbolized by the Pomerol Cross, and it flourished even amidst challenges like the Hundred Years' War. Proximity to the river port at Libourne facilitated exports, and post-World War II investments from French and Belgian investors contributed to its global acclaim. 

What sets Pomerol apart is its unique terroir, which includes both clay and gravel, distinguishing it from the traditional clay and limestone composition of Bordeaux's right bank. Merlot dominates, constituting 80% of the plantings, and thrives in the iron-rich clay subsoil called "crasse de fer" and its core of sticky blue clay, imparting distinct character and aging potential to Pomerol wines. 

Some of Pomerol's most prominent châteaux include Pétrus, Château La Fleur-Pétrus, Le Pin, Château Trotanoy, Château La Conseillante, Château Clinet, Château L'Eglise Clinet, Château Gazin, Château L'Evangile, Clos du Clocher, Château Feytit-Clinet, Château La Petite Eglise, Château La Violette, Château Nenin, Château Hosanna, Château Beauregard, Château Bon Pasteur, Château Rouget, Clos du Beau-Père, Château Fleur de Gay, Château La Pointe, Château Petit Village, Clos l'Eglise, Château La Cabanne and Vieux Château Certan. Pomerol lacks an official classification system, instead, the reputation and quality of châteaux are based on historical performance. Unlike neighboring Saint-Emilion, the appellation exclusively produces red wine, while its white wines remain unclassified. 

Pomerol wines are known for their elegance, full body, and lush character, with dark fruit flavors, smooth tannins, and aging potential. While some can be enjoyed in youth, top wines can age gracefully for several decades, developing complexity and character over time.

Footnotes on Futures, Pre-Arrivals, and potential US Tariffs: 

1. As of June 15, 2021, the US and the EU agreed to suspend tariffs resulting from the Boeing-Airbus aircraft trade disputes. Accordingly, such import taxes are now suspended for the next five years.

2. Futures are expected to be available for delivery two years after the sales (e.g., the 2022 vintage, sold in 2023, will be delivered in 2025 mostly, or 2026 if the producer ages the wine longer).

3. Pre-Arrivals are items currently stored in our Bordeaux cellar or in transit from France to the US. It usually takes 1-6 months for Pre-Arrivals to become available for delivery, depending on the stage of the import process.

4. Regarding futures and pre-arrivals, we cannot guarantee specific delivery dates, which factors beyond our control may impact. However, we will notify you once your wine arrives in our cellar.

5. While a buyer of Bordeaux wine futures locks in an allocation of the specified items, the final delivery of the purchased items from France to the US may be impacted by intervening and unforeseeable events. Despite our due diligence, additional costs or delays may be caused by such intervening and unforeseen events and "an irresistible, superhuman cause, or by the act of public enemies of the state of California or the United States."  In such circumstances, if a buyer does not accept unforeseeable costs or delays, the sole and exclusive remedy is a cancellation of the futures order concerned and a refund of the original purchase price. We are NOT liable for any lost profits on a canceled order.

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