The 2013 Clinet was one of the better wines that I tasted from barrel. Indeed both Robert Parker and I scored this Pomerol around the same mark and now it is in bottle, it has fulfilled my expectations as a delicious, easy-going, but still well-crafted wine from Ronan Laborde. It has a delicate but precise bouquet that gains intensity in the glass, cassis and a touch of wild mint, ground pepper emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannin that need another 12-18 months to soften, however there is adequate fruit underneath with a linear, slightly sappy finish. Enjoy this over the next 10-12 years.

Tasted many times, this lightly plummy Clinet has always been among the best Pomerols in 2013. It retains much of its original opulence and finesse, but is now losing some force and drive. Finely crafted, but its essential modesty has come to the fore.

Clinet has maintained appellation signature in this challenging vintage, but lacks the luscious mouthfeel that the estate delivers so regularly. Focus here on blueberry and raspberry fruit, sudded with liqourice, cloves and black pepper. Ronan Laborde owner. 33hl/h for the grand vin, 60% new oak. Second time I have tasted this 2013 in three months, and there is pleasure here, ready to drink.

Dark ruby. Initially very leafy, almost medicinal nose became fruitier with air. Then pungently aromatic on the palate, with strong notes of underbrush and pine cone dominating the delicate small dark berry flavors. With its rather extreme tannins, this seems over-extracted to me and I wonder if it will ever come into balance. But it does have above-average density and texture for the vintage, so I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and see what develops over the next two years.

Tasted blind. Deeply coloured. Dark aroma but also a bit stalky/dusty. Dry, a bit leafy but better than I expected from the nose. Just a little bit tough on the finish. (JH)

Healthy crimson. Quite severe and bone dry. Where's the flesh?! Not much fun … Very drying on the end. (JR)