The 2022 Clinet is terrific. Vibrant, aromatic and beautifully sculpted, Clinet is also a terrific example of the energy quality-minded winemakers were able to achieve in 2022. Crushed rose petals, spice, blood orange, mint and white pepper give Clinet a compelling upper register of presence in the bouquet. Wonderfully delineated, Clinet builds effortlessly into the mid-palate and finish, where a closing burst of red/purplish fruit framed by clean mineral notes leaves a lasting impression. This is stellar. Tasted two times. 04/2023

The 2022 Clinet is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon picked from 6-21 September at around 34hL/ha. There were apparently many bunches, but the berries were small. Aged in 80% new oak and 20% 2nd fill barrels, the 2022 offers black fruit on the nose with traces of Japanese nori probably emanating from the Cabernet. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-judged acidity and a fine backbone that gently grips the mouth. This is a linear Pomerol with impressive delineation on the almost pastille-like finish. I appreciate this Clinet's persistence and discrete spiciness on the aftertaste. Excellent. But it is a vintage that requires time in bottle. 04/2023

A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon that represents the earliest harvest in this estate's history (beginning on September 6), the 2022 Clinet is a success, offering up aromas of cherries and dark berries mingled with hints of spices and a discreet patina of new oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and layered, it's impressively vibrant, with a rich core of fruit framed by powdery tannins from judicious extraction. This has more in common with the more refined 2018 and 2019 vintages at this address than with the powerhouse 2020, and that is no mean feat in an even more extreme vintage. Bravo to Ronan Laborde and his team. 04/2023

Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Nez très aromatique, au fruité mûr et frais. Subtil. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, très aromatique au milieu, avec un corps plein et juteux, le vin évolue avec de la classe dans le toucher, sans jamais se départir de la nature historiquement moelleuse du cru. C'est long, fondant, très bon et sans angle tannique. Remarquez la présence de 20 % de cabernet sauvignon (planté en 1950) + 80 % merlot. Degré d'alcool : 14°7 - pH : 3,65 (moyenne +). IPT : 85 (moyenne +). Rendement : 34 hl/ha. 04/2023

A very fine and polished red with silky tannins, medium body and a savory finish. Hints of hazelnut to the currant and berry fruit. 04/2023