Château Clinet

The name of Clinet is now a well-known one in Pomerol. It is also, since a revitalisation during the 1980s, a very respected name, the wines made here today being of very high quality. The estate is on a roll, enjoying a long period of success that can be traced back at least to the 1989 and 1990 vintages when, after the disappointment of Clinet in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the wines suddenly seemed to exceed the expectations of all those who tasted them.

Perhaps this fame is one reason is why, when I first set eyes on the château a few years ago, I was so taken aback by its appearance. I was expecting a typical Pomerol farmhouse-come-winery, like that at Château Lafleur or Château L’Église-Clinet, just two of Clinet’s illustrious neighbours. For Pomerol, however, it is actually a fairly grand affair; not as grand as larger châteaux, such as Château Taillefer or Château Nenin, of course, but it is of a reasonable size, and certainly more imposing than the ferme-like constructions that are found on some estates. In addition, its sharp lines are built from a creamy-white limestone, and it is in pristine condition, every corner keen and bright, every surface glistening in the Pomerol sunshine. Most attractive of all, its appearance is lifted by its shutters, which are painted a saucy flame red. It is not only appealing to the eye, it has a sense of fun. The property seems to have an air of youth, of a domaine on the up, as opposed to one or two properties in Bordeaux I can think of where tired facades suggest a more languid and crusty proprietor.

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