Chateau Clinet, Pomerol 2009

Clinet has been on a hot streak lately and the 2009 appears to be the greatest wine ever made at the estate, surpassing even the late Jean-Michel Arcaute’s monumental 1989. A blend of 85% Merlot and tiny amounts of Cabernet Franc 12%) and Cabernet Sauvignon 3%), this big Pomerol boasts an opaque, moonless night inky/blue/purple color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of blueberry pie, incense, truffles, black raspberries, licorice and wood smoke.

Viscous and multi-dimensional with silky, sweet tannin, massive fruit concentration and full-bodied power, there are nearly 4,000 cases of this thick, juicy, perfect Clinet. It should drink well in 3-5 years and keep for 25-30.

Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Clinet is showing quite a lot of evolution on the nose with notes of new leather, fried spices and dried herbs over a core of dried mulberries and prunes with a touch of redcurrant jelly. Full-bodied and decadently fruited with loads of mature, savory layers, it has a chewy texture and finishes on a dried herbs note.

Blackberry and mineral aromas, with flowers. Full-bodied, but reserved and supersilky and pretty. This is the bomb. Forget the 1989.