Clinet 2015

robert_parker97

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2015 Clinet is a blend of 90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc, cropped at 37 hl/ha and matured in 65% new oak. It was picked from 15 September commencing with the young Merlot vines, and finishing between 28 and 1 October with the very old Merlots and the Cabernets. A couple of specific features to note: the alcohol level is 14.3%, perhaps a little lower than some of Clinet's peers and also a IPT of up to 88, higher than 2010 even. Broody at first, it eventually develops a perfumed bouquet as it opens, with black fruit, melted tar and a brush of black truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. There is plenty of nascent energy in this Clinet, spicier than other vintages that I have tasted over the years, linear at first and then fanning out towards the finish with a dash of white pepper on the aftertaste. It is a very harmonious Clinet, one that I suspect will favor those with the nous to age this Pomerol for 5-7 years, even though it might tempt you earlier. This is a great Pomerol from Ronan Laborde and his team.

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2015 Clinet is just a brilliant wine from Ronan Laborde and his team. It has a refined bouquet that is extremely well defined, blackberry, briary, crushed stone and hints of black truffle developing with time. It just shouts "Pomerol!" at the top of its voice. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin. There is a taut and crisp acidity that lends this Clinet a beguiling sense of symmetry and poise. This is a classy, mineral-driven Pomerol that has enormous potential.

vinous96

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

A dramatic, sweeping Pomerol, the 2015 Clinet is ample, racy and voluptuous from the very first taste. Those qualities are going to make the 2015 nearly impossible to resist young. Readers who can wait will be rewarded with a racy, deeply layered Pomerol of the highest level. For now, the raciness of the dark red cherry and plum fruit suggests a very bright future. Hints of rose petal, mint and licorice add the closing shades of nuance. What a gorgeous wine this is.

vinous96

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2015 Clinet is an exotic, totally arresting beauty. Powerful, unctuous and inky to the core, the 2015 exudes richness. There is nothing subtle at all in this full-throttle, towering Pomerol. And yet all the elements are very nicely balanced. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, licorice, graphite, dark spices, licorice and bittersweet chocolate are fused into rich, port-like finish. The 2015 is a bit extreme, but it is also compelling. The blend is approximately 90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc, while new oak is around 65%. The Clinet is unusual in that the Cabernet portion favors Cabernet Sauvignon over Franc. Tasted two times.

vinous96

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2015 Clinet has a beautifully delineated bouquet, quite floral in style with rose petal and iris scents filtering through the red fruit. A second bottle is a little distant with more pronounced crushed stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a fine bead of acidity, but those tannins tend to dominate the finish that feels a little mean. I think this is enduring a very dumb phase and should not be broached for a few years. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

robert_parker97

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

A blend of 90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc matured in 65% new and 35% one-year-old French oak for 16 months, the 2015 Clinet offers a medium to deep garnet-purple color and slowly, provocatively unfurls in the glass with notes of crushed black cherries, warm black raspberries and red cherry compote plus nuances of bay leaves, cinnamon stick, star anise, fenugreek and forest floor and wafts of potpourri and mocha. The palate reveals a sensuous medium-bodied style offset beautifully by very firm, very silky tannins and packed with energetic, multifaceted fruit as well as great tension, finishing long with an arresting spice and floral perfume. A real stunner!

vinous96

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

A dramatic, sweeping Pomerol, the 2015 Clinet is ample, racy and voluptuous from the very first taste. Those qualities are going to make the 2015 nearly impossible to resist young. Readers who can wait will be rewarded with a racy, deeply layered Pomerol of the highest level. For now, the raciness of the dark red cherry and plum fruit suggests a very bright future. Hints of rose petal, mint and licorice add the closing shades of nuance. What a gorgeous wine this is.

james_suckling99

Reviewed by: James Suckling

OMG. This is really dense and rich with velvety tannins and so much fruit and length. Super concentration and structure. Greatest Clinet ever. No jam. Just class.

james_suckling99

Reviewed by: James Suckling

An immaculate wine with pristine blackberries and dark plums as well as fresh, earthy nuances and dark crushed violets. An upright palate with lightly peppery dark berries and plums. The inflection of cabernet here makes for an impressively powerful wine that still exudes Pomerol’s suave, seductive charm. Chalky, seamless tannins. Super fresh. Try from 2022.