Clinet 1999

robert_parker86

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s Clinet vertical. This has a lot of glycerine on the nose that lends it a New World sheen with notes of macerated dark cherries, sloe, candied orange peel and a touch of cherry liqueur. The palate is full-bodied with dense, sinewy tannins, very good weight but not much in the way of finesse, whilst the oak is a little obvious towards the meaty finish. Tasted February 2011.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Clinet is difficult to taste young because it tends to be unevolved, broodingly backward, and disjointed. It requires 1-2 years of barrel age until it begins to reveal its true character. Tasted twice, the 1999 is concentrated, displaying notes of melted asphalt, Asian spices, smoke, and black fruits. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with astringent tannin, a rough mid-section, and a hard, dry finish with plenty of wood tannin to go along with the natural fruit tannin. I am not sure a balance has been struck in the 1999, but a more definitive judgment will be possible after another year of barrel age.

robert_parker87

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

First tasted May 2001: this wine typifies over-extraction on the 99 vintage. A mammoth jammy nose. The palate is so extracted almost New World in style. Very chewy with little or no subtlety. Disappointing. Tasted again in November 2003: now the nose is quite barnyardy and stinky. Brett? The palate is full-bodied, New Worldy with robust tannins and good acidity. Tarry, rich black fruits with some blueberry. Very muscular but does it has substance?

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 1999 exhibits an impressive deep purple color as well as superb, pure, smoky, coffee, licorice-infused black cherry and berry aromas and flavors. The wine is dense, rich, and medium to full-bodied, but disjointed. Chalky tannin in the finish needs to become better integrated. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.

robert_parker87

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the 1999 horizontal at Bordeaux Index. There is very little on the nose here, but with some coaxing there are touches of leathery red fruit, marmalade, kirsch and charred wood. The oak is till quite dominant. The palate is medium-bodied, harmonious, good acidity and a lovely texture. Savoury, a little animally and surprisingly understated towards the elegant finish and yet it lacks the complexity of other Pomerols and more recent vintages. Drink now-2017. Tasted June 2009.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Clinet's 1999 is surprisingly accessible in the attack, but there is some firm tannin in the finish. The wine is medium-bodied with notes of licorice, blackberry/cherry/currant fruit, some sweet but slightly rustic tannin, and an excellent, broad mouthfeel. The wine is well-made but falls short of being exceptional. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015.