Clinet 2011

Undoubtedly one of the most ambitious Right Bank wines in 2011, this is a big, bold, concentrated red that is built for the long haul. It's got a lot of tannin and oak, but there's enough fruit and freshness for balance with sweet black fruits, some cassis and appealing underlying succulence. A wine to cellar. 12+ years.

Deep purple-crimson colour. Tight, firm and intense. Lots of chocolatey, liqueur de cassis extract. Finishes a little tough and drying.

Under proprietor Ronan Laborde, Clinet has returned to the high quality witnessed in 1989 and 1990 under the helmsmanship of the late Jean-Michel Arcaute. Made from a final blend of 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc that hit 14% natural alcohol, the inky, opaque purple-colored 2011 exhibits notes of blackberries, blueberries, espresso roast and subtle oak. Full-bodied, layered, opulent and flamboyant for a 2011, with loads of concentration and glycerin as well as a long finish, this is one of the most impressive wines of the vintage. It should drink well for two decades.

Tasted twice the second time at the property with Ronan Laborde. The Clinet 2011 is a blend of 85% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc picked from 7th September until 26th September. It has a ravishing bouquet with multi-layered, creamy dark fruit, blueberry, cassis and a touch of vanilla pod. It soars from the glass and takes no prisoners. The palate is full-bodied with rich saturated tannins, low acidity, rounded and sensual in the mouth with an intense, voluminous finish that leaves a touch of oyster shell as its calling card. A second sample at the chateau promoted the fine tannins, offering a much more delineated finish, much more precise but a little drier (possibly because of the more cloudy weather.) Excellent Mon. Laborde! Tasted April 2012.

A silky wine with dark chocolate and currant character. Chewy tannins but polished. Full and complete. Very velvety textured. Hand crafted wine for the vintage.