Château Clinet 2025

Pomerol sits on the right bank of Bordeaux, a small plateau northeast of Saint-Émilion known for plush, Merlot-led reds. Château Clinet lies on the higher ground of the plateau, where the soils mix clay, gravel and bands of iron-rich subsoil that drain well yet hold moisture, giving Pomerol Merlot its depth and silky texture. Merlot ripens early and fully here, building rich, dark fruit and supple tannins, with Cabernet Franc adding structure and aromatic lift. The wine is aged 16 months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange rounds the tannins and oak contributes cedar, cocoa and sweet spice that frame the fruit. The high 14.5 percent alcohol reflects full ripeness. The colour is deep, dark ruby. The nose shows dark berries, cedar, cocoa, spice and fresh liquorice. The palate is medium to full-bodied and rich, the ripe fruit carried on velvety tannins and balanced acidity through a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour or two ahead, or cellar. It suits roast and braised red meat.