CHÂTEAU CLINET

80 Merlot, 20 Cabernet Sauvignon: 60% new oak: 13% alc: 38 hl/ha: 49000 bottles produced: Merlot was harvested between 23 and 27 September and the Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested on 3 & 4 October I loved Ronan Laborde’s expressions that his wine was made from “Good sun rays as opposed to heat”. There is nothing hot or spicy about this extraordinarily sleek and elegant wine. With decent yields (43 hl/ha across the property and 38 hl/ha for the Grand Vin 38), Clinet has hit the jackpot of both a healthy and top-quality crop. With Pomerol’s average around the 33 hl/ha mark and many producers far below this, it is no surprise that Ronan and Monique are smiling. They picked a little later, but quicker than many here and then, as was the norm in 2024, sorted vigorously to eliminate any substandard fruit. The result is a wine with tremendous beauty and potential. It is hard to move beyond the perfume, which is simply stunning. “Neo-classical” is a lazy descriptor, but if you are familiar with the great vintages of this wine and give this template a gleaming polish and a sense of optimism, this is how I would describe 2024 Clinet to a fan. Some Clinet vintages appear to have one block of impressive flavour that gradually breaks down and organises itself over the years, but in 2024, there is considerable complexity from the start. While the aroma and palate are gloriously plummy and floral, there is thrilling acidity, which brings a sense of tension and a refreshing stance to the finish. It appears to carry out a magical flourish of feeling succulent and alluring while also engendering a dramatic and commanding set of tannins. This is one of the finest young Clinets I have ever tasted because intricate detail and lip-smacking lusciousness are in perfect harmony. Rating: 19+/20 Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2025)