Ronan by Clinet - Bordeaux rouge 2014 (Magnum)

Dense, voluptuous, with silky tannins, Clinet is the archetype of a great Pomerol from the plateau, consistently ranking among the appellation’s finest. Ronan Laborde has high hopes for the replanting of part of the vineyard. It must be said that the deep, old gravel soils—mixed with clay and iron-rich silt—located at the summit of the Pomerol plateau are what give Clinet’s 11.27 hectares their unique character. This is the heart of the appellation’s finest terroirs.

Founded in the 14th century, this 11.26-hectare vineyard was already known as a château by the 17th century. Located in the heart of the Pomerol high plateau, it features a clay-gravel terroir characteristic of the appellation. Its grape variety mix is less traditional: 12% Cabernet Sauvignon complements the traditional Merlot (85%) and Cabernet Franc. Owned by Georges Audy until 1985, then by GAN-Assurances until 1998, it now belongs to the Laborde family—who also own vineyards in Tokaj—and in 1999, they equipped it with an ultramodern underground cellar. Ronan Laborde has been at the helm since 2003.

The Laborde family, owners of the estate since 1999, produces a very lovely, classic Pomerol—charming and always elegant—that emphasizes freshness. It must be said that the estate boasts a superb terroir, in the heart of the Pomerol high plateau, on clay-gravel soils that lend the wine power and intensity. The château is also equipped with state-of-the-art winemaking facilities.