Professional reviews
Robert Parker (95)
94-95: Rich and layered, the 2023 Clinet wafts from the glass with aromas of dark berries, spices and licorice, framed by creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and complete, with a rich chassis of powdery tannin underpinning its sweet core of fruit, it concludes with a broad, vanillin-inflected finish. As is routinely the case at this address, it's a successfully rendered Pomerol in a more modern style.
James Suckling (96)
The orange peel, flower and purple fruit aromas are so enticing. It’s medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are long and integrated, delivering finesse and length. There’s a classy and restrained nature to this. 75% merlot and 25% cabernet sauvignon. Best after 2028.
Jancis Robinson (17)
75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Very dark with black core. Sweetly spiced, very Merlot; black plums. Powerful tannins take no prisoners and it seems that the fruit tannins are conspiring with the oak to make a big, long-lived wine. Dark and savoury and needs time. Distinctive in this vintage. (JH)
Vinous (96)
The 2023 Clinet is fabulous. It is one of the most refined, silky Clinets I can remember tasting. Cool blue-toned fruit, lavender, spice, mocha and rose petal caress the palate. The balance here is just sublime. The 2023 feels a bit less heavy and oaky than some previous editions, very much a positive in my view.
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 18 months in 60% new French oak, the 2023 Château Clinet is a brilliant Pomerol that shows how successful this appellation was in 2023. Its deep purple hue is followed by powerful aromatics of ripe darker berries, graphite, tobacco, and chocolate. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, it has a beautiful overall sense of balance, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It offers pleasure today yet deserves 3-5 years in the cellar and will have 20-25 years of prime drinking. Bravo. Drink 2026-2051.
