Chateau ClinetProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pomerol, Bordeaux

Château Clinet is one of the most distinguished estates in Pomerol, celebrated for producing wines of exceptional richness, complexity, and elegance. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Clinet is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, consistently delivering a unique expression of the Pomerol terroir. With a history that spans over three centuries and a commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, Château Clinet is a true gem of the Right Bank.

History of Château Clinet

The history of Château Clinet dates back to the 17th century when the estate was first established. Over the centuries, the property changed hands several times, with each owner contributing to its development and reputation. In the 1980s, Château Clinet began to gain international recognition under the management of Jean-Michel Arcaute and later, the Audy family, who implemented modern winemaking techniques and focused on producing wines of exceptional quality.

In 1998, Château Clinet was acquired by the Laborde family, who have since continued to elevate the estate’s standing in the wine world. Under the direction of Ronan Laborde, Château Clinet has embraced a philosophy of precision viticulture and meticulous winemaking, resulting in wines that are celebrated for their depth, concentration, and ability to age gracefully.

The Terroir of Château Clinet

The terroir of Château Clinet is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 11 hectares of vineyards are located on the famous Pomerol plateau, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and deep blue clay, known as "crasse de fer." These soils provide excellent drainage and are ideal for cultivating Merlot, which is the dominant grape variety at Clinet, along with smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The vineyard is planted with 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the full potential of its terroir, with Merlot providing richness and roundness, and the Cabernets contributing structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château Clinet to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Clinet

Winemaking at Château Clinet is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months, with about 60% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.