Clinet 2019

Co-owner Ronan Laborde is currently president of the Union des Grands Crus, and has the tricky task of overseeing and recommending a plan of action for 2019 En Primeur tastings and releases. The 2019 vintage is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon - the highest level of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1970s. The wine will be aged in 75% new French oak for 16-18 months, with an abv of 14.5%. The yield was a healthy 38hl/ha, which will produce 49,500 bottles. We were unable to taste the wine before release this year.

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. 2025 - 2060

The 2019 Clinet is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested from the 23rd of September to the 3rd of October. The alcohol weighed in at 14.5%. It is aging in French oak barriques, 75% new, using the OXOLINE system in order to minimize stirring. It is expected to age in barrels for 16 months. Opaque purple-black colored, it bursts from the glass with bold scents of ripe black plums, blackberry pie and blueberry compote with an undercurrent of redcurrant jelly, raspberry preserves, licorice, molten chocolate and cardamom with a fragrant waft of red roses. The palate is rich, full-bodied and fantastically opulent, with layers of exotic spices emerging among all the black fruit preserves flavors, framed by velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and hedonic. 2027 - 2053

A firm, silky red with blackberry, black-olive, green-olive and stone aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied with juicy fruit and a flavorful finish. The balance and texture of this wine is exceptional.

The 2019 Clinet is a dark, sensual wine. Grilled herbs and crushed flowers give the 2019 a pretty, savory dimension to play off the natural potency of the year. A virile and imposing Pomerol, Clinet has plenty to offer, especially once the tannins soften. Two thousand nineteen is an outstanding vintage for Clinet.

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel sample.
Purple-black hue. Concentrated cassis aroma, almost like a fruit liqueur. Palate more subdued but the fruit is generous and there’s plenty of zest and drive. Tannins and oak integrated. Clean, long finish. (JL)
Drink 2027 – 2040