Château Clinet 2011

Lot presentation

Château Clinet 2011

The wine

Any serious appreciation of Pomerol inevitably leads to Château Clinet, one of the appellation’s defining estates. The wine draws its distinction from superb Günzian gravel soils, which allow Merlot, the region’s emblematic grape, to flourish fully. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon complete the blend.
With such inherent richness in the vineyard, the estate focuses on preserving fruit identity, harvesting by hand at full maturity. Vinification is carried out plot-by-plot in oak vats, followed by ageing in barrels, with between 60% and 100% new oak, selected with meticulous care.
In the glass, the wine shows a dense, deep purple hue, layered with captivating aromas of red fruit, blackberry and truffle. The palate is ample and supple, structured by finely grained tannins that speak to both well-judged oak integration and impressive age-worthiness.

Set upon the prestigious plateau of Pomerol, Château Clinet has been run by Ronan Laborde and his wife Monique since 2003. Evidence of the property’s existence dates back to the Middle Ages, bearing witness to its enduring roots within the appellation. Across ten hectares, the vineyard reveals its character through old vines, some nearing 90 years, and an uncommon planting composition of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon seldom seen in Pomerol. This singularity, coupled with precise vineyard management and carefully controlled canopy height to foster vegetative balance, imparts the wines with a velvety texture and remarkable depth.
Holders of the French environmental Haute Valeur Environnementale certificate since 2021, the estate upholds its commitment to respectful and sustainable viticulture. In the cellar, a subterranean vat room enables gravity-flow vinification, preserving the purest expression of fruit. Ageing largely takes place in new oak barriques complemented by second-fill casks, bringing structure and layers of complexity. Finally, the estate’s distinctive identity extends to its presentation: bespoke bottles stamped with the iconic ‘C’, delicately wrapped in tissue paper and placed in a signature red-stained wooden case.