The 2008 Château Clinet is the grand vin from this 11-hectare Pomerol estate on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, a property long associated with the appellation’s Merlot-driven depth and polish. Clinet farms largely by hand on gravel and clay soils, and the wine is typically raised about 18 months in French oak (often a high proportion new). In 2008, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate reports a blend of **85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon**, with **38 hl/ha yields** and **14.4% alcohol**.
Several critics delivered excellent reviews, underlining how well Clinet performed in this “quietly” strong vintage. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (94) calls it “**layered and full-bodied with stunning purity and a 40+ second finish**,” adding that it’s “**the opaque purple-colored 2008 Clinet**” marked by “**sweet creme de cassis, blackberry, plum, Asian spice, licorice and incense**,” and suggesting it “should keep for **25-30 years**.” Neal Martin (94) likewise praises a “**fantastic Clinet in 2008**,” citing “**cassis, iodine, vanilla and crushed violets**,” plus “**chalky tannins**” and “**superb delineation on the finish**,” framing it as “**a modern Pomerol, one that is supremely well crafted**.”
Wine Spectator (93) emphasizes the wine’s upfront appeal—“**ripe, rich and almost flashy**”—with “**gorgeous spice, mocha and warm raspberry ganache**” before “**fig, currant, graphite and black tea**” on a “**long racy finish**,” noting it’s “accessible now” though better once it fully integrates. Decanter (93) finds it “starting to approach its perfect moment” at 10 years, with “**polish, verve, attack and impact**,” while acknowledging it is “not as complex or momentous as…2009 or ’10.” Wine Enthusiast (91) highlights its “**smoky bitter chocolate**,” “**jammy black plums**,” and “good acidity,” and Jeff Leve (94) points to a “**fresh, chewy, savory-styled Pomerol**” built for further aging (2023–2042).
