The 2023 Clinet from Pomerol, Bordeaux, is a Bordeaux Blend red wine that has garnered considerable attention from wine critics. This wine, produced by Clinet, is a modern-style Pomerol that blends 75% Merlot with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were harvested from September 13-20 for the Merlot and September 25-26 for the Cabernet Sauvignon. The vintage is noted for its deep garnet-purple color and rich, complex aromatic profile.
James Suckling awarded the wine an impressive 96 points, praising its full-bodied nature and poised character. He noted, "This is full-bodied yet tight and poised, with a pretty, pure center-palate of ripe fruit and fine, integrated tannins. Classy presence. May be better than 2022."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine 95 points, highlighting its rich and layered composition. William Kelley described it as "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."
Vinous also rated the wine 96 points, with Antonio Galloni calling it "powerful and racy right out of the gate," and noting its "crushed flowers, spice, mocha, and a kiss of French oak meld into a core of dark red- and black-toned fruit."
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gave the highest rating of 97 points, emphasizing the wine's energetic and vibrant palate. He noted, "Lilacs, violets, smoke, spice, cherries, plums, licorice, orange rind, and chocolate mint fill the aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is energetic, vibrant, long, and up-beat."
Jane Anson, Jeb Dunnuck, and The Wine Independent each rated the wine 95 points, with Jane Anson appreciating its "great balance and careful extraction," and Jeb Dunnuck calling it "flat-out gorgeous."
Decanter provided a more conservative score of 93 points, noting its ripe red fruit and spicy aromatics but mentioning "rather firm tannins with some drying extraction."
Overall, the 2023 Clinet is a highly praised wine, characterized by its deep color, rich aromatics, and complex palate. It is poised to age well and develop further complexity, making it a standout choice for collectors and enthusiasts.