critic reviews
Notes of tertiary evolution on the nose with leather and black truffle, and beautifully soft raspberry fruits, walnut, earth, berries, smoke. This feels a little subdued right now, and the ending slides more quickly to a whisper than the usual Clinet style. There are fine tannins and it is graceful with softly spoken appeal. This was the latest harvest since 1986, and a wine that has consistently impressed me since I first tried it, now very much ready to drink. Ronan Laborde owner. 60% new oak.
The 2008 Clinet has a deep garnet colour. This has plenty of fruit on the nose with ample blackberry, cranberry and fresh mint; very well defined and quite opulent in the context of the growing season. The palate is fresh on the entry with fine tannin, layers of blackberry and bilberry fruit laced with crushed stone; fresh and lively with a hint of peppermint towards the finish and graphite (courtesy of the Cabernet) on the aftertaste. This is drinking very well now although it has another 15 years of drinking enjoyment to give. (Tasted at the château and at BI Wine & Spirits’ annual vertical tasting.)