Clinet 2021 (750ML)

95 DE / 94 VM / 94 JA / 94 WCI / 93-94 JS / 93+ JD / 93 VM / 92+ WA / 92 WI / 91 WS / 17 JR

An exceptional Clinet in 2021. Richly scented, dark and roguish, a touch of sour cherry and perfume to the nose. Round, supple, generous and vibrant on the palate - this has a lifeforce to it with nuance of red berry flavour and real persistency as well as juicy acidity. I love the upfront nature of this and the really quite vivid and expressive red fruits while the background gives the savoury, menthol, liquorice notes offering depth and wideness - lots of terroir and grape markers in the glass - particularly the high percentage (25%) of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Tannins are firm and supportive with the overall freshness lifting the frame, delivering a full mouthfeel with a density of tannins and black fruit that doesn't dip. Well worked and presented. A touch of wood on the finish but subtle and supportive. You also get the florality all the way through which is just so appealing. Supremely well worked, charming but also confident - I absolutely love it and it clearly stood out every time tasting it - four times in total. 45,000 bottles made, same production as 2020. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

The 2021 Clinet is bold, explosive and dense. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 is a rich and ample wine of tremendous energy and tension. This represents a modern style of Pomerol that will drink well upon release and also age. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

This is gracefully handled, sculpted black fruits, with blueberry, plum, truffle and cinnamon spice. A touch of bitter black chocolate on the finish, not the exuberant power of most years at Clinet, but a great handling of the vintage, concentrated but not overly extracted. 38hl/h yield. Tasted twice. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

One of the wines of the appellation offers depth of color before you get to the flowers, tobacco leaves, espresso, truffle, mint, cedar, black cherries, incense, and chocolatey plums. Plush, supple, and with ample fruit showing sweet, and tart characteristics. The wine provides lift, energy, polish, length, and an edgy finish. The wine blends 75% Merlot, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2025-2045.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider

Firm, lightly chewy yet creamy tannins. Savory bark and herb notes. Cloves and licorice, too. Medium body with a polished, lengthy and firm finish. Compact. - James Suckling

The 2021 Château Clinet is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested between the end of September and the 12th of October, that was brought up in 80% new French oak. This deep ruby/plum-hued beauty has a great bouquet of ripe black cherries, blackberries, leafy tobacco, and spring flowers, with some classic damp earth, graphite, and chocolaty Pomerol nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, has beautifully integrated oak, fine tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It already offers pleasure but will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and evolve for 20 years if well stored.-Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Clinet opens in the glass with aromas of dark berries, plums and licorice mingled with hints of mint and orange zest, followed by a medium to full-bodied palate with a sweet core of fruit that's framed by a chassis of sweet, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the oak-inflected finish. Out of the gates, this remains quite structured by its élevage. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

The 2021 Clinet has a relatively light nose compared to other vintages: blackberry, wild mint, touches of graphite and just a slight herbaceous note that becomes more accentuated with time. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and fine acidity, quite spicy compared to its peers with, again, just a little greenness toward the finish (albeit less evident on a second bottle that shows more refinement). You feel that it's got something to offer a couple of years down the line, so give it some time in bottle. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

A frankly toasted style, with bittersweet cocoa notes draped over a core of black cherry and plum fruit. Reveals tobacco, licorice, roasted cedar and a tug of warm earth through the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2034. 3,850 cases made, 600 cases imported. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator