Château Clinet - Pomerol 2025 (Primeurs)

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.

With an intense purple color, the 2025 Château Clinet is a ripe, sumptuous, and beautifully balanced wine that has everything to please. Aromas of ripe red, blue, and black fruits, violet, smoked tobacco, and chocolate unfold on the nose, while on the palate it is full-bodied, with a pure, complex, and graceful texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a superb finish. It illustrates just how well the predominantly clay-based soils of Pomerol performed in this vintage, and it is undoubtedly among the very best of this vintage.

Still strongly influenced by its aging, the bouquet reveals roasted notes complemented by smoky undertones; upon aeration, aromas of very ripe black berries and sweet spices emerge. The velvety character of the attack gives way to a full-bodied and lively palate where power and austerity come together in harmony. What may not seem obvious at first glance is nevertheless perfectly balanced in this wine, which stands out for its density and generosity. 2030–2050

With its intense color, this wine releases, from the very first swirl, aromas of licorice, flowers, black cherries, espresso, plums, aromatic herbs, and chocolate. The palate is even more alluring, with waves of opulent, lush, supple, refined, expressive, and fresh fruit. The balance between depth, smoothness, roundness, and liveliness is perfect. The finish is characterized by the intensity of the vibrant fruit on the palate, the depth of flavor, and its purity. This wine is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14% alcohol, pH 3.65. The harvest took place from September 4 to 17. This was the earliest harvest in the estate’s history. Yields were 34 hectoliters per hectare. Best enjoyed between 2029 and 2060.