2025 Chateau Clinet

The 2025 Clinet is a dark, brooding wine, largely because of the significant presence of Cabernet Sauvignon—a rarity in Pomerol, but a tradition here dating back to vines that were planted in the 1930s and 1950s. Plum, blackberry, gravel, incense, licorice and scorched earth stain the palate. Harvest started on September 4, the earliest ever. Yields were 34 hectoliters per hectare. Lots saw about 30 days on the skins, on the longer side for the château. Malolactic fermentation was done in barrel. Élevage is 60% new oak and 40% once-filled new oak. ~ (96) Antonio Galloni , Vinous 4-28-2026

Less marked by oak than in recent vintages, the 2025 Clinet reveals a refined bouquet of cedar, dark berries, spice and fresh licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and layered, it’s broad-shouldered yet more tensile than usual, built around a structured core of fruit and concluding with a long, perfumed finish. Reflecting the vintage in its balance between density and approachability, it remains true to the estate’s style, with a firm, robust frame. It will benefit from some years in bottle to fully harmonize. This is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. ~ (95) Yohan Castaing, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 4-30-2026

Concentrated and intense, dried figs, high spice, freshly cut herbs, incense, cardamon, dried rose petal, pot pourri, this has fragrance that builds thorugh the palate, plenty of tannic grip that just flirts with being dry. A concentrated Clinet with impact. 30 hl/ha. Tasted twice. Ronan Laborde owner. ~ (92) Jane Anson, Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux 4-15-2026

A composed, well-structured and precise Pomerol showcasing red berries and baking spices on the nose. Full-bodied with plush tannins and fresh acidity. There is energy at the center despite the solid frame of tannins shaping the midpalate. Focused and driven finish. ~ (95) James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 5-4-2026

Rich and spicy, the fruit firm and layered. Plentiful tannins provide a powerful structure. A bit backward but plenty of potential. ~ (17) James Lawther, JancisRobinson.com 4-16-2026

The 2025 Clinet was the earliest picking ever, from September 4, and aged in 60% new oak plus 40% one-year-old barrels. Vintages now have a little more Cabernet Sauvignon, as a hectare of Merlot was uprooted. Now this has a delightful nose, perhaps the most elegant and refined that I have encountered at this stage: vivid red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry scents, neatly embroidered oak, more floral in style. The palate is medium-bodied with chiselled, fine tannins, bright and tensile, exquisite focus, with a peacock's tail on the finish. Quite crystalline on the finish, this is a Clinet that I would like in my cellar. Or at the dinner table. Or in my glass. ~ (98) Neal Martin, Vinous 5-7-2026

Dense purple-hued, the 2025 Château Clinet is a ripe, sumptuous, and seamless beauty with so much to love. Ripe red, blue, and black fruits, violets, smoky tobacco, and chocolate all shine on the nose, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with a pure, layered, graceful mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It shows just how successful the more clay-dominant soils of Pomerol were in this vintage, and it's unquestionably up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. ~ (98) Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 5-11-2026