2017 Château Clinet, Pomerol

The 2017 Clinet was picked from 19 to 26 September for the Merlot and on 29 September for the Cabernets at 35hl/ha. It is matured in 72% new oak and the remainder one year old. The alcohol is 13.1° compared to say 14.4° for 2016. It has a perfumed bouquet with mainly red berry fruit, top notes of loam and a touch of violet. It is certainly well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well delineated, and saline in the mouth. It is quite open towards the finish, perhaps with less grip than other Pomerols that I have tasted, but it is undeniably elegant and well balanced with a hint of cured meat cropping up on the aftertaste. Classic Clinet!

The 2017 Clinet packs a serious punch. Dense, rich and explosive, the 2017 offers tons of pure power, but it also comes across as oaky and lacking the detail of the best years, at least at this stage. A rush of black cherry jam, inky fruit, grilled herbs, lavender, licorice and smoke builds into the pliant, enveloping finish. The 12% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend speaks with a loud voice. 8

Some green-olive and herb character. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Shows some solid and linear length on the finish.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Clinet opens slowly to reveal vibrant red and black fruits: red currants, black cherries, plums and cassis with touches of roses, yeast extract, wood smoke and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and a taut, muscular palate of tightly wound fruits and compelling mineral accents, it finishes long with wonderful purity and fragrant earth accents.