Chateau Feytit-Clinet, Pomerol 2018

From one of my favorite estates in Pomerol, situated between Trotanoy and Latour à Pomerol, the 2018 Château Feytit-Clinet is currently sitting at 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc being raised in 70% new French oak. Sporting a deep purple/blue color as well as a massive bouquet of blackberries, smoked herbs, liquid violets, and graphite, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a weightless, seamless texture, thrilling purity, and a great, great finish. It’s a powerful wine hitting 14.9% alcohol yet there’s not a trace of heat. Offering beautiful purity and flawless balance, it reminds me of the 2010, only better.

The 2018 Feytit-Clinet is exquisite. Inky dark fruit, gravel, spice, menthol, licorice, mint and lavender are some of the many aromas and flavors that develop as the 2018 shows off its compelling, totally unique personality. In most recent vintages, Feytit-Clinet has been explosive and quite powerful. The 2018 doesn't quite have that energy, but its (relatively) suave personality will make it easy to enjoy with only a few years in bottle. I loved it.

This is tight and chewy with a lightly angular and citrusy undertone to the firm tannins and dark fruit. Walnut and almond undertones with some coffee.

This has been made with precision and care – it’s understated but with so much to enjoy having Pomerol typicity but with elegance and not the creaminess of some, more dried herbs and spices and again in pencil lead territory, but with great juice running through with cassis fruits and a wonderful lift at the end. I just love this estate and this is delicious stuff from Jeremy Chasseuil.

This 6.68-hectare vineyard is situated between Trotanoy and Latour à Pomerol on gravel and sand-based soils. Average vine age is 34 years, and yields were 45 hectoliters per hectare. It is aging in 70% new and 30% second year barrels, where it will stay for an estimated 16 months. The wine has 14.9% alcohol and is blended of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep purple-black colored, the 2018 Feytit Clinet is a little shy to begin, unfurling to reveal wild blueberries, warm plums and black cherries with hints of violets, iron ore, pencil shavings and damp soil. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it has a firm, velvety texture and bags of opulent fruit, finishing earthy. About 18,000 bottles will be made.

The 2018 Feytit-Clinet is a limpid purple hue. The bouquet is backward compared to other Pomerols that I tasted, biding its time and gradually opening to reveal black cherries, blueberry, melted tar and licorice scents all vying for attention. The palate is very smooth on the entry, with a fine bead of acidity. Sweet black fruit and licorice beg for your attention and dovetail into a saline finish. This is a very classy Feytit-Clinet from proprietor Jeremy Chasseuil.