2020 Chateau Clinet Pomerol AC

Falstaff Magazin - 94-96pts - PM: *Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Feine Edelholzwürze, zarte tabakige Nuancen, reife Herzkirschen, ein Hauch von Nougat, kandierte Mandarinenzesten, floraler Touch. Saftig, süße Textur, reife Pflaumen, elegant, seidige, reife Tannine, feine Fruchtsüße im Nachhall, mineralisch im Nachhall, sehr harmonisch, zeigt große Länge und Balance, sehr gute Zukunft.* - 05/2021

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 96-98pts - LPB: *The 2020 Clinet (a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) has an opaque purple-black color, needing a little coaxing to unleash bold, powerful notes of plum preserves, blueberry compote and black raspberries, followed by suggestions of cracked black pepper, menthol, cedar chest and rose oil with a hint of licorice. The big, rich, full-bodied palate is a powerhouse, bursting with impactful black and blue fruit preserves flavors, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and fantastically perfumed.* - 05/21

Weinwisser - 18,5+/20pts - WL: *80 % Merlot, 20 % Cabernet Sauvignon, Alkohol 15 vol%. Tiefes Purpur mit opaker Mitte und zartem rubinrotem Rand. Verführerisches sehr dichtes Bouquet mit Veilchenparfüm, (über)reife schwarze Kirsche und Lakritze. Im zweiten Ansatz dunkle Schokotrüffel, dominikanischer Tabak und eine zarte Mentholnote. Am vielschichtigen Gaumen mit seidiger Textur, körniges Extrakt, tiefgründige Terroirwürze, stützende Rasse und durchtrainierter Körper. Im konzentrierten Finale mit schwarzbeerigen Konturen, dunkles Graphit und sandige Adstringenz, kann noch zulegen.* - 05/2021

JancisRobinson.com - 17/20pts - JR: *Very dark right to the purplish rim. Rich and sumptuous aroma of pure, sweet, black fruit, entwined with oak´s sweet spice. Powerful and a little charry on the palate, the tannins thick and compact but already smooth. A big, alcoholic beast of a wine but ends with unexpected freshness, and, even with this high alcohol, just about in balance. Long, chewy finish. Wholesome, powerful. (JH) 15.5% Drink 2030 - 2044* - 05/21

JamesSuckling.com - 96-97pts - JS: *This is extremely polished with ultra fine tannins that are so exquisite, giving this a seamless and weightless mouth feel. Medium-bodied, extremely long and harmonious.* - 05/21

Vinous.com - 93-95pts - AG: *The 2020 Clinet is a gorgeous, vivid Pomerol. Today, the Clinet feels a bit closed in on itself, but has terrific energy and plenty of drive. Dark cherry jam, mocha, rose petal, new leather and tobacco start to open with a bit of time in the glass. Readers will have to be patient here. There is plenty to look forward to.* - 06/2021

Vinous.com - 94-96pts - NM: *The 2020 Clinet was picked September 14-17 for the Merlot and September 24 for the Cabernet Sauvignon, at 38hl/ha, and matured in 80% new oak. Its 15.0° alcohol is the highest ever. The bravura nose delivers copious black cherries, blueberry and violet aromas that explode from the glass. This is a Pomerol that really wants to make an impression. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannins, hints of chocolate chip infusing the mixture of black and blueberry fruit. Lavish and satiny in texture toward the long finish. This is a bold and extravagant Clinet that I hope will just find a little refinement and more terroir expression during its élevage. If it does, it should land at the top of my banded score.* - 05/2021