2000 Chateau Clinet, Pomerol 1x750ml

Robert Parker 91

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s Clinet vertical. A first bottle tasted blind was found to be out of condition, a second (tasted non-blind) has a ripe, floral bouquet with luscious dark cherry, black plum and black olive aromas with prominent new oak. The palate is full-bodied with dense, sinewy tannins, notes of spice, mulberry, cassis and vanilla with just a hint of mushroom towards the finish. My main criticism is that it is not a joyful Pomerol " it lacks just a little joie-de-vivre and for want of a better word…passion. Tasted February 2011. [Neal Martin, 01/02/2011]

Vinous 90

Dark red, but more brown than ruby. Roasted, wild aromas of game, truffle and stewed tomato. Slightly sauvage flavors of gamey red fruits, coffee, cedar and spices; sweet and superripe but with adequate supporting acidity. More pliant than it appeared to be a year ago from barrel. Surprisingly subtle on the firm back end, yet the notes of cedar and coffee seem rather evolved. Perhaps best suited for drinking over the next ten years. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2003]