ProducerPomerol
Château Clinet
シャトー・クリネ
A legendary Pomerol estate crafting powerful, velvety wines.
Château Clinet is a prestigious estate on Bordeaux's Pomerol plateau. Spanning 11 hectares of iron-rich clay-gravel soils, it is famous for its 100-point Robert Parker scores in 1989 and 2009. Under Ronan Laborde, Clinet crafts powerful, velvety Merlot-dominant wines with a unique structure from Cabernet Sauvignon.
www.chateauclinet.com ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
Perfect for collectors and connoisseurs seeking opulent, age-worthy Right Bank Bordeaux with silky tannins and deep complexity. It is also highly recommended for those who appreciate the unique structure that Cabernet Sauvignon adds to a premium Merlot-dominant blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Château Clinet's terroir special?
- Clinet's 11 hectares sit on the prized iron-rich clay-gravel soils (crasse de fer) of the Pomerol plateau. This unique terroir, combined with old vines, provides exceptional water retention and mineral complexity that infuses the wines with remarkable depth and structure.
- What grape varieties does Château Clinet use?
- Château Clinet is primarily Merlot-dominant, with a distinctive proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon that is unusual for Pomerol. This combination infuses the naturally opulent and silky Merlot fruit with a firm structure and complex spice notes, resulting in a powerful yet highly polished wine.
- Does Château Clinet produce a second wine or casual labels?
- The estate produces 'Fleur de Clinet' as its second wine. Additionally, they offer 'Ronan by Clinet,' a highly approachable and value-driven négociant line crafted by the same winemaking team to deliver the estate's signature quality for everyday enjoyment.
- Can Château Clinet wines be paired with Japanese cuisine?
- Mature vintages of Château Clinet pair beautifully with rich Japanese dishes utilizing soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, such as Sukiyaki, duck Jibuni, or grilled eel (Unagi Kabayaki). The wine's silky tannins and deep umami complement these savory-sweet flavors perfectly, while the casual 'Ronan by Clinet Blanc' is an excellent match for grilled fish and tempura.
- What triggered Château Clinet's rise to global fame?
- The turning point came in the 1980s when winemaker Jean-Michel Arcaute introduced revolutionary techniques like late harvesting and green harvesting. This culminated in the 1989 vintage receiving a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker, a feat repeated with the 2009 vintage, cementing Clinet's status as a top-tier Pomerol estate.