The 2019 Clinet has maintained the stunning delineation that I discerned from the barrel sample. Pure black cherries, hints of cassis and wilted violet scents unfold in the glass with effortless ease, and the oak (75% new, 25% used for 18 months) is neatly integrated. The poised palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with fine-grained tannins and disarming mineralité, particularly toward the finish, which delivers tremendous length and saliva-inducing salinity on the aftertaste. There is a pleasing strictness to this Clinet that is apposite to the flamboyant and decadent wines of the Nineties. This Clinet is one of Ronan Laborde's great achievements.

A full-bodied Pomerol with dark-fruit, coconut, chocolate and hazelnut character on both the nose and palate. Fine-tannined with an intensely tight and chewy texture. Spice at the end. Very flavorful and muscular, yet it’s balanced and precise with well-toned form. Needs five or six years to resolve. Try after 2027.

Pomerol is something special in 2019 and Clinet captures the magic beautifully. Perfectly balancing the creaminess, both on the nose and palate, that is so characteristic of the vintage with the ripe intensity of fruit and remarkable zesty freshness, it's both enticing and sophsiticated, Layers of pure black cherry and plum vie with blood orange, truffle and asian spice make the nose sing. The tannins hide among the sappy, dense, concentrated fruit that is both mouthcoating and yet nimble, with a purity and energy that lifts any sense of heaviness. Another dancer of a wine that you simply don't want to end... which is a good thing as the finish is a good minute plus. Just superb.
June 2020