Château Clinet 2020

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 The name "Clinet" is thought to have evolved from "Cleinat," which was recorded in historical documents as early as the 16th century.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 2020 Clinet (a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) has an opaque purple-black color, needing a little coaxing to unleash bold, powerful notes of plum preserves, blueberry compote and black raspberries, followed by suggestions of cracked black pepper, menthol, cedar chest and rose oil with a hint of licorice. The big, rich, full-bodied palate is a powerhouse, bursting with impactful black and blue fruit preserves flavors, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and fantastically perfumed." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, (5/20/2021), Ratings: 96-98, Drink: 2027-2057