Chateau Clinet lies at the highest point of the Pomerol Plateau on the Gunz gravel terrace, origin of the appellation’s most prestigious crus. It’s a remarkable terroir of old gravel and deep clay over a subsoil of clinker. The vines sink roots 5 metres deep where they are gently warmed by naturally occurring volcanic stones.

The estate has been producing some of the world’s most prestigious wines for centuries. The Belleyme Map, published in 1785, shows the terroir of Chateau Clinet was already exclusively under vine.

Since the 1980s, Jean-Michel Arcaute has managed the vineyard. He has been instrumental in revolutionizing them, replanting with Merlot instead of Cabernet and introducing hand-harvesting, manual selection, and a longer cuvaison.

Merlot accounts for the vast majority of grape varieties (90%) with the remainder being made up of Cabernet-Sauvignon (9%) and Cabernet Franc (1%). The total area under vine is 11.3 hectares and the average age of the vines is 40 years.

The vines are grown with total respect for the environment, giving pride of place to tilling and grassing rather than using chemicals and the human hand over machines.

The vinification process for Chateau Clinet aims to maintain the freshness, finesse and character. Harvesting is always carried out manually, and following meticulous selection, gravity delivers the grapes to the vats. The cellar layout allows good traceability from the vineyard to the end of the aging period. The production of a well-defined parcel can be followed in each vat, then each barrel.

On average, fermentation and maceration lasts for one month, whereupon the wine is transferred into barrels. ‘Free run’ wines are separated from ‘pressed’ wines, and then aged separately. The wine is aged in French oak barrels. around 60 percent new with the remaining being one-year old.

The 2012 Clinet Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed Pomerol region in France is a wine that exudes elegance and sophistication. With a rich, deep red color, this red wine is visually enticing and sets the stage for the sensory experience to come.

On the nose, the aromas are captivating. The fragrance of plum cake, melted licorice, and steeped currant and blackberry fruit fills the air, creating an alluring bouquet. Notes of fruitcake and singed vanilla bean add complexity and depth to the aroma profile. This wine is a true olfactory delight.

Upon tasting, the Clinet 2012 does not disappoint. It is full-bodied and plush, with a velvety texture that caresses the palate. The flavors of black raspberry and blackcurrant take center stage, showcasing the exceptional fruit quality of this wine. The opulent and luxurious nature of the fruit is perfectly balanced by a subtle charcoal spine, adding a touch of depth and structure.

Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an impressive score of 95, praising its dense purple color and gorgeous levels of fruit. Parker describes it as a "full-bodied, opulent style of wine" that is a "great success" for the Clinet estate. The wine is expected to age gracefully for 15 or more years, allowing its rich flavors to evolve and mature over time.

Other esteemed wine publications such as Wine Spectator, James Suckling, and Neal Martin's Wine Journal have also praised the 2012 Clinet. With scores ranging from 92 to 96, these critics echo the sentiment that this wine is truly exceptional.

Overall, the 2012 Clinet Bordeaux Blend is a wine that showcases the best of the Pomerol region. Its combination of outstanding fruit quality, luxurious texture, and impeccable balance make it a wine that will captivate the senses and bring joy to any wine enthusiast. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is an outstanding choice for those seeking a truly remarkable Bordeaux experience.