| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The opaque ruby/purple 2005 Clinet offers incredibly fragrant aromatics, an opaque ruby/purple color, and a wonderfully sweet nose of flowers, blackberries, licorice, truffle and caramel. Full-bodied, powerful and rich, it is not as nuanced or complex as the top four or five Pomerols, but close. This is a broad, meaty, masculine, super-rich and concentrated wine, with lavish plum, blackcurrants and blackberries. Drink it five years from now, and over the following 30 or more years. Drink 2020-2050.
I have never been totally convinced by the Château Clinet 2005. For sure it has an inviting floral bouquet with an intriguing marine influence - dark berry fruit, hints of black olive and brown spices. It opens gradually in the glass but never lets go completely. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, succulent tannin, well judged acidity but the finish just needs a little more focus and precision. That may come in time. It's just a little drier at the end than I would have wanted. I would opt for more recent vintages from Ronan Laborde, such as the 2009, 2010 or 2011. Drink 2018 - 2035
This is excellent, drinking now but very much in its early days with a touch of austerity - at the tipping point from primary to tertiary fruit. The tannins still very much in play, gorgeous silky texture, plenty of damson and plum jam, dark chocolate, grilled sandalwood, fennel and graphite. Oak toasting evident, giving a warming, gourmet kick without sacrificing appellation character, and vintage character. Just a beautiful wine that is easy to recommend. Give it a good few hours in a carafe if you are drinking soon.
Tasted blind. Light crimson. Lightly fragrant. Tea leaves. Much lighter than most. Might be difficult to identify blind as Pomerol. More like a Pessac-Léognan? Good balance and finish though.
Drink 2015-2028
Powerful wine with a rich, ripe tannic frame. Attractive red berry fruit aromas. Touch of alcohol on the finish. Drink 2014-2025.
Came 69th out of 184 wines
We haven't seen a Clinet this good since the late Jean-Michel Arcaute's stunning duo of 1989 and 1990. This dense ruby/purple-tinged, exotic 2005 boasts soaring aromas of roasted herbs, plums, black currants, and caramelized chocolate. Savory, broad, and expansive with sensational purity, intensity, and length, this beauty possesses so much fruit and glycerin that it nearly hides the substantial tannins. Although performing exceptionally well at present, I suspect it will close down once it is put in a cold cellar. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030.
By far the finest Clinet since the late Jean-Michel Arcaute made the spectacular duo of 1989 and 1990, the 2005 exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as scents of raspberry ice cream intermixed with plums, figs, black currants, coffee, and chocolate. It is a ripe, full-bodied, super-rich, intense Pomerol with loads of tannin and an exotic fruit character. Drink this long, pure stunner between 2015-2030+.
The most profound Clinet since the prodigies produced by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute in 1989 and 1990, the 2005 boasts a fabulous nose of blueberries, violets, truffles, subtle wood, and cold steel. Inky/purple-hued, full-bodied, and multilayered with adequate acidity, this exceptionally well-endowed, pure effort is a tour de force in winemaking. Although it is high in tannin, there is so much fruit and glycerin (the alcohol must be 14+%) that it should be drinkable in 4-6 years, and keep for three decades.
Blackberry, dark chocolate and cherry follow through to a full bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long delicious finish. This could be at the same level as the 2000. Wait and see. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
Dark crimson. Very rich, glossy and sweet. Then a savoury finish. Opulent and new school. Slithery texture. By no means classic but some people will love it. Tough dry end. 13.5%
Drink 2018-2035
Deep crimson. Fresh, zesty aromas that jump out of the glass. Very sweet and seductive on the front palate - rich and voluptuous. For drinking sooner rather than later. The sweetest style of Pomerol imaginable. Lots of velvety richness - but well balanced and a good drink. Long and appetising. Wonderful texture. Drink 2012-22
