Clinet 2006

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Clinet seems to have come of age over the last several vintages. Another strong effort, the dark ruby/purple-hued 2006 offers sweet aromas of blueberries, plums, black cherries, smoke, and toasty oak. Opulent, medium to full-bodied and rich with a good tannic structure in the finish, this fleshy Pomerol will be accessible in 3-4 years and keep for 15-18+.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. The Clinet ’06 has a refined, elegant nose with notes of blackberry, raspberry, touch of tar and underbrush. Good definition. The palate is medium-bodied, peppery on the entry, lithe and sappy with tarry black fruits and a slightly piquant, savoury finish that does not detract from a newfound femininity that has been emphasized in recent vintages. Tasted January 2010.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s Clinet vertical. Matured for 16 months in 60% new oak, this has a more expressive nose than the 2005 but perhaps not quite as complex. There are touches of blackberry and raspberry leave, complemented by bay leaf with time. The palate is full-bodied and very well balanced, the tannins just as fine as the 2005. The oak is prominent at first, but returning after an hour in bottle it has wonderful tension and vibrancy, great purity towards the finish that has more panache than post-millennial vintage. Superb – this just gets better year after year. Tasted February 2011.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the UGC. A very tight nose, which displays far less overripe fruit and new oak than in recent years. Tang of sea salt. The palate is well balanced, medium-bodied with well-integrated prudent use of new oak, revealing a more savoury, meaty mid-palate. Although it only contains 5% Cabernet Franc, it seems to really season this wine. Real character here: not the best Pomerol, nor a patch on the 1989 or 1990, yet charming and individual and that counts for a lot. Tasted April 2007.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Extremely backward, firm, and virile, this macho wine exhibits full-bodied power, a dense blackberry, smoky nose, huge tannins, but impressive stuffing and depth. This is not for the faint of heart, and also not for those who need immediate drinkability. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London and then later at the château.The 2006 Château Clinet has a nose that appears to have reached maturity. Red berry fruit, red cherries, a touch of fig jam coming through with aeration. It is not as complex as the top tier vintages from Ronan Laborde and his team, yet there is charm in spades. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin, grippy in the mouth and with an almost crunchy, cracked black pepper finish that is a little more reserved than I was expecting. I would personally open bottles of the 2006 over the next 10-15 years. Tasted March 2016.