Chateau Clinet (Futures Pre-Sale) 2021

Professional Ratings

• 95 Decanter
  An exceptional Clinet in 2021. Richly scented, dark and roguish, a touch of sour cherry and perfume to the nose. Round, supple, generous and vibrant on the palate - this has a lifeforce to it with nuance of red berry flavour and real persistency as well as juicy acidity. I love the upfront nature of this and the really quite vivid and expressive red fruits while the background gives the savoury, menthol, liquorice notes offering depth and wideness - lots of terroir and grape markers in the glass - particularly the high percentage (25%) of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Tannins are firm and supportive with the overall freshness lifting the frame, delivering a full mouthfeel with a density of tannins and black fruit that doesn't dip. Well worked and presented. A touch of wood on the finish but subtle and supportive. You also get the florality all the way through which is just so appealing. Supremely well worked, charming but also confident - I absolutely love it and it clearly stood out every time tasting it - four times in total. 45,000 bottles made, same production as 2020. Drinking Window: 2026 - 2049.
  Barrel Sample: 95
• 94 James Suckling
  Firm, lightly chewy yet creamy tannins. Savory bark and herb notes. Cloves and licorice, too. Medium body with a polished, lengthy and firm finish. Compact.
  Barrel Sample: 93-94
• 93 Jeb Dunnuck
  The 2021 Château Clinet is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested between the end of September and the 12th of October, that was brought up in 80% new French oak. This deep ruby/plum-hued beauty has a great bouquet of ripe black cherries, blackberries, leafy tobacco, and spring flowers, with some classic damp earth, graphite, and chocolaty Pomerol nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, has beautifully integrated oak, fine tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It already offers pleasure but will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and evolve for 20 years if well stored.
  Rating: 93+
• 92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2021 Clinet opens in the glass with aromas of dark berries, plums and licorice mingled with hints of mint and orange zest, followed by a medium to full-bodied palate with a sweet core of fruit that's framed by a chassis of sweet, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the oak-inflected finish. Out of the gates, this remains quite structured by its élevage.
  Rating: 92+