Château Clinet, Pomerol, 2010
87% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. Clinet is a divisive Pomerol. There are question marks about the level of extraction here, but there are tremendous levels of concentration, large-scale tannins and wonderful intense, inky fruit flavours. One has to be impressed by the perfumed bouquet of compote fruit, blackcurrant jam and cherry stone. The palate is thick, modern and packed with dark fruits. Extract is the big question; bold, robust tannins with a hint of dark chocolate on the finish.
critic reviews
Grilled oak, touches of bitter chocolate and smoked rosemary and cumin herbs, this is clearly still muscular, cassis fruits, liquorice, slate, dark and bristling, needs another few years in bottle but it is on the way towards a brilliant wine. 60% new oak. Ronan Laborde owner.
The 2010 Clinet has a very pure and seductive bouquet with layers of black plum, wild strawberry, hints of black truffle and morels. It is fresh and focused with plenty of energy. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, silky smooth in texture with a poised, soy-tinged finish that fans out wonderfully. This is an outstanding Pomerol from Ronan Laborde and his team that should age with style. Tasted at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting.
Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Clinet rolls sensuously out of the glass with notes of Black Forest cake, blueberry compote and plum preserves plus hints of cigar box, cardamom and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals pleasant poise with loads of savory sparks on the finish.