Château Clinet 2018

"The 2018 L’Eglise-Clinet was picked from 18 to 26 September for the Merlot, the Cabernet Franc picked on 28 September, matured in 70% new oak. It has a deep limpid purple colour. It has a captivating, gorgeous black cherry, raspberry and blueberry scented bouquet with touches of iodine and incense. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin and pitch perfect acidity. There is a compelling symmetry and precision about this L’Eglise-Clinet with wonderful sapidity towards the finish that fans out with blackberry and boysenberry fruit. Simply a class act, and perhaps one of the most profound expressions of terroir that you will find on the Right Bank this year." - Neal Martin, vinous.com, (November, 2019), Ratings: 97-98, Drink: 2028-2050

"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Clinet begins a little coy and then, with coaxing, opens out to vibrant black cherries, kirsch, baked plums and cinnamon stick scents with hints of cloves and anise plus earthy truffles and fungi wafts. Full-bodied and chock-full of bright, energetic fruit, it has a firm, finely grained structure and long, fragrant finish. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging is anticipated to last for 16 months in French oak barriques, 75% new." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, (4/23/2019, Bordeaux 2018 Issue), Rating: 94-96

 "Including slightly more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, the 2018 Château Clinet is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon that was brought up in 75% new French oak. One of the superstars of the vintage, it has incredible elegance and finesse as well as gorgeous richness and depth. Notes of cassis and truffly dark fruits as well as tobacco, damp earth, chocolate, and lead pencil shavings emerge from the glass, and it's full-bodied, with a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, gorgeous tannins, and a great, great finish. It already offers incredible pleasure, but it won't hit maturity for another 5-7 years and should evolve for 30 years or more. This magical wine is in the same league as the 2015 and 2016, and drinking these beauties over the coming decades will be an incredible treat." - Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com, Rating: 99, Maturity: 2021-2031