2006 Château Clinet
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Tasting notes
Darker fruit profile than 2005, still majoring on cassis and bilberry even at 16 years old, tannins retain their control, alongside an earthy edge to the liquorice root and raspberry leaf undertow, then softer strawberries at it relaxes. The architecture will soften further over the next few years, no need to rush to drink this, and if you do so soon, suggest giving it a good few hours in a carafe to reallly open up. Ronan Laborde owner. 60% new oak.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London and then later at the château.The 2006 Château Clinet has a nose that appears to have reached maturity. Red berry fruit, red cherries, a touch of fig jam coming through with aeration. It is not as complex as the top tier vintages from Ronan Laborde and his team, yet there is charm in spades. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin, grippy in the mouth and with an almost crunchy, cracked black pepper finish that is a little more reserved than I was expecting. I would personally open bottles of the 2006 over the next 10-15 years. Tasted March 2016.
Tasted blind. Dark ruby. Meaty, rather evolved nose. Fresh attack but not quite enough on the mid palate. A bit simple and hollow. Dilute. (JR)
About the producer
With Ronan Laborde at the helm, this property has become one of Pomerol’s most sought-after. He has increased the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, which historically represented half the vineyard area here.