Château Clinet - Pomerol 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Dense, voluptuous, with silky tannin, Clinet is the archetypal great plateau Pomerol, consistently at the top of the appellation. Ronan Laborde has high hopes for the replanting of part of the vineyard. It has to be said that the deep old gravel, mixed with clay and iron dross at the top of the Pomerol plateau, is what makes Clinet's 11.27 hectares so unique. This is the heart of the appellation's finest terroirs.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

Founded in the 14th century, this 11.26-hectare cru already held the title of château in the 17th century. Situated in the heart of the Pomerol plateau, its clay-gravel terroir is typical of the appellation. Its grape varieties are less traditional: 12% Cabernet Sauvignon complements the traditional Merlot (85%) and Cabernet Franc. Owned by Georges Audy until 1985, then by GAN-Assurances until 1998, it now belongs to the Laborde family, who also own vineyards in Tokaj, and equipped it with a state-of-the-art underground winery in 1999. Ronan Laborde has been at the helm since 2003.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

The Laborde family, who have owned the estate since 1999, produce a lovely, classic Pomerol, charming and always distinguished, with an emphasis on freshness. It has to be said that the cru boasts a superb terroir, in the heart of the Pomerol plateau, on clay-gravel soils that give the wine power and intensity. The château also boasts state-of-the-art vinification equipment.

James Suckling

About the wine:

What a lovely young wine, with great finesse and tension, ultra-fine tannins and long, subtle flavors and character. It's medium-bodied, with extremely silky tannins that develop on the palate to a seamless finish. Harmonious. Another excellent Pomerol for the cellar. Drink after 2027.

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

A resonant nose full of confidence, welcoming us with notes of very ripe plums. The palate is graceful, satiny, languorous and sensual, with a triumphant aura. 2028-2048

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The 2020 displays freshness through subtle floral and mineral nuances! The wine's fruity attack is followed by compact, velvety, perfectly integrated tannins. They provide fullness and power in a precise, accomplished manner. In short, Clinet 2020 is elegant, balanced and harmonious! No heaviness, lots of finesse. A brilliant wine in its ability to fly over the vintage. Inviting, characterful and precise. 2025-2040

Jean-Marc Quarin

About the wine:

Definitely the greatest Clinet I've ever tasted. Dark, intense, beautiful color. Very aromatic, fruity, ripe and subtle nose. Agitation reveals it to be more intense, creamier and deeper. Ample on the attack, meticulous to the touch yet rich in the mid-palate, with a melting body and lots of flavor, the wine evolves on a beautiful tannic envelope where it never stops gliding. Long, deep, sappy, noble finish. Superb. 2032-2060

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

This wine is characterized by elegance, refinement and silky textures. The aroma, with its notes of licorice, flowers, mint leaves, smoke, cherries and plums, is what first draws you in. But it's the purity of the fruit, the sensual textures and the opulent, graceful palate feel that steal the show. The fluid, uninterrupted finish balances freshness and hedonism with its multiple layers of lush fruit and chocolate, with a touch of refreshing spearmint on the finish. The finish really sticks with you, which is a good thing, because you'll never want this voluptuous sparkle to end. What's more, despite the wine's 15% alcohol content, there's no hint of heat or jam. Drink between 2026 and 2055.