Chateau Clinet 2005

"Exhibits subtle, complex aromas of black olive, mushroom and crushed berry. Full-bodied, with a velvety tannin structure and a decadent, ripe fruit aftertaste. Slightly earthy, but with loads of delicious fruit. Best after 2013. 2,915 cases made."

93 Points

Wine Spectator

"We admit to being quite taken with the current crop of Pomerols, and the ripeness and sweet fruit displayed this bottling are very much why. Plush and polished in a way that we recognize from our home-grown Merlots, it sports plenty of minerally complexity and rich oak and is far more than a simple exhibition of fruit. Like the best of its Pomerol partners, it is an ageworthy wine in spite of its immediate appeals, and it promises to reach its best stride only after five to ten years have passed."

93 Points

Connoisseurs' Guide

"We haven't seen a Clinet this good since the late Jean-Michel Arcaute's stunning duo of 1989 and 1990. This dense ruby/purple-tinged, exotic 2005 boasts soaring aromas of roasted herbs, plums, black currants, and caramelized chocolate. Savory, broad, and expansive with sensational purity, intensity, and length, this beauty possesses so much fruit and glycerin that it nearly hides the substantial tannins. Although performing exceptionally well at present, I suspect it will close down once it is put in a cold cellar. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030."

92 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Good full ruby. Sexy aromas of black raspberry liqueur, violet, chocolate, mocha and smoky oak. Dense, fat and large-scaled, with a layered texture and compelling sweetness of dark berry fruit. Very smooth if currently a bit youthfully monolithic. Finishes with substantial mouthcoating tannins that arrive late, allowing the chewy chocolate and mocha flavors to expand and linger. This will age on its alcohol and tannins, not its rather low acidity. Elevage should bring greater detail. Range: 89-92"

92 Points

International Wine Cellar

"A ripe, rich, soft wine, oozing black jelly fruits and layered acidity. Almost ready to drink, it is a mouthful of delicious, dense fruits. This is a classic wine from Clinet, a property that always produces an opulent style of wine. "

90 Points

Wine Enthusiast