Château CLINET 2019
In Pomerol, Château Clinet occupies an emblematic terroir of the appellation, on soils mixing gravel, clay, and iron elements that give the Merlot a particular depth. The estate, managed by the Laborde family since the end of the 20th century, has gradually established itself among the major references of the right bank thanks to precise work both in the vineyard and in the cellar. The vineyard is largely dominated by Merlot, the central grape variety of the estate's identity, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon which brings structure, freshness, and length. The relatively small size of the estate favors an attentive parcel-by-parcel approach and rigorous grape selection. The 2019 vintage benefited from a hot and dry summer, compensated by sufficient water reserves on the clay soils of Pomerol. This configuration allowed the grapes to be rich and ripe while maintaining a beautiful natural freshness. Clinet 2019 thus combines density, depth, and precision in a powerful yet remarkably balanced style.
Château Clinet 2019 blends 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot provides a broad, velvety, and deep body, marked by blackberry, black plum, and ripe cherry. Cabernet Sauvignon reinforces the wine's structure, brings more tension, and helps extend the finish. The different parcels are vinified separately to preserve their personality before composing the final blend. Extractions are conducted with precision to accompany the richness of the vintage without hardening the tannic framework. Aging in French oak barrels gradually refines the matter and allows the fruit, tannins, and spicy nuances to merge. The 2019 still has a youthful structure, but its balance and the quality of its tannins give it significant aging potential.
The color shows a deep garnet with strong ruby reflections. The nose opens on blackberry, plum, black cherry, and blackcurrant, accompanied by violet, licorice, and cocoa. With aeration, notes of blond tobacco, cedar, sweet spices, and a slight touch of graphite appear. The palate is dense and enveloping, with a velvety texture supported by fine and perfectly ripe tannins. Merlot dominates the mid-palate with its depth and breadth, while Cabernet Sauvignon brings freshness and a more vertical structure. The finish is long and persistent, on black fruits, spices, cocoa, and a subtle mineral dimension. Château Clinet 2019 will accompany a beef filet with porcini mushrooms, a rack of lamb, roasted pigeon, duck breast, or cuisine featuring black truffle.
Grape varieties: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
