2020 Chateau Clinet, Pomerol 3×1.5L

Vinous NR

The 2020 Clinet has quite a lot of new oak to be subsumed on the nose, and at the moment, it is disguising the DNA of this château. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and pointed acidity, slightly bitter but with a pleasing salinity on the finish. I am intrigued to see how this ages, but it is not showing its best right now (another bottle tasted in April 2024 performed much better). Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. [Neal Martin, 11/01/2024]

Robert Parker 97

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, 04/28/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2027-2057

JancisRobinson.com 16.5+

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermented in stainless-steel and concrete tanks. Aged for 18 months. Very floral nose. Juicy and arresting. Like a very ripe red bordeaux a little more than a typical Pomerol. The balance is fine but it all rather seems to be floating on the surface rather than demonstrating great depths. Lots of fun and pleasure but not really deep-flavoured. Though maybe it will develop in bottle? No shortage of alcohol! (JR) [11/09/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2027-2040