Clinet 2022

A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon that represents the earliest harvest in this estate's history (beginning on September 6), the 2022 Clinet is a success, offering up aromas of cherries and dark berries mingled with hints of spices and a discreet patina of new oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and layered, it's impressively vibrant, with a rich core of fruit framed by powdery tannins from judicious extraction. This has more in common with the more refined 2018 and 2019 vintages at this address than with the powerhouse 2020, and that is no mean feat in an even more extreme vintage. Bravo to Ronan Laborde and his team.

The 2022 Clinet is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon picked from 6-21 September at around 34hL/ha. There were apparently many bunches, but the berries were small. Aged in 80% new oak and 20% 2nd fill barrels, the 2022 offers black fruit on the nose with traces of Japanese nori probably emanating from the Cabernet. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-judged acidity and a fine backbone that gently grips the mouth. This is a linear Pomerol with impressive delineation on the almost pastille-like finish. I appreciate this Clinet's persistence and discrete spiciness on the aftertaste. Excellent. But it is a vintage that requires time in bottle. 2030-2065

A very fine and polished red with silky tannins, medium body and a savory finish. Hints of hazelnut to the currant and berry fruit.

Saturated ruby colour here. This is a bold, brambly and ripe nose with a hit of liquorice and tar. The palate is very grippy, with chewy tannins coating the roasted, dark fruit in the middle. The drying nature of the tannins matches the sweet layers of fruit, but for now this is just too concentrated and heady, with warming alcohol noticeable on the finish. It will be interesting to follow after elevage to see if this knits together better, the fruit coating the warmth and the tannins fully integrating. At that point it will warrant a higher score.

The 2022 Clinet is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, aging in 80% new oak. It was harvested from harvest from the 6th to the 21st of September and yields were 34 hl/ha. Deep garnet-purple in color, it storms out of the glass with powerful notes of plum preserves, crème de cassis, and boysenberries, leading with suggestions of sandalwood, mossy tree bark, sassafras, and mocha with a waft of tar. The full-bodied palate is rich and densely laden with black fruit preserves, supported by firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and opulent. This is a wonderfully decadent wine that will be very long-lived but will require some patience.

Sleek, concentrated, red roses, violets, creamy smoked caramel, bilberry, cassis, blackberry pastilles, biscuit, mint leaf, great estate signature, maintains its sleek intense concentated and supremely classy character. Strong tannic build up, muscular and full of intent, with a fennel and oyster shell signoff. Ronan Laborde owner.

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cask sample.
Intense crimson. Sweet, supple, hedonistic nose. Very smooth and seductive with, just, enough freshness and some rigour in the structure. Lots of tannin built into this ambitious wine although the sheer weight of ripe fruit distracts until the end of the palate. Should have a longer life than many of its peers.
Drink 2027– 2047