Château Clinet 2019

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 The name "Clinet" is thought to have evolved from "Cleinat," which was recorded in historical documents as early as the 16th century.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

"The 2019 Clinet is just so fragrant on the nose: black and red fruit vying for attention, iris and incense, touches of truffle in the background. The purity that Ronan Laborde and his team have achieved should be applauded. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, perfect acidity, brilliant focus and a killer sense of tension on the finish. This is a stunning Clinet, the best that I have encountered in barrel over 20 years of tasting. That creamy texture takes your breath away. Up there with the very best - a Clinet that rivets you to the spot." - Neal Martin, Vinous, (June, 2020), Ratings: 97-99, Drink: 2025-2060

"An 80/20 split of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that will spend 16-20 months in 75% new French oak, the 2019 Château Clinet sports a dense purple color as well as a stunning bouquet of blackcurrants, mulberries, unsmoked tobacco, chocolate, damp earth, camphor, and who knows what else. Beautifully textured, flawlessly balanced, and full-bodied, it builds incrementally on the palate and has perfectly integrated acidity and tannins, no hard edges, and world-class purity of fruit. It shows the mix of power and elegance that makes this vintage so compellingly. Don't miss it." - Jeb Dunnuck, (06/30/2020), Ratings: 97-100