93 Points: “Incredibly aromatic and expressive nose full of ripe red fruits and floral scents. Smooth and sappy with bounds of energy and vibrancy. The red berry fruit feels really well worked, smooth and detailed, ripe but not too much so you get nuance and refinement to the overall impression. Succulent and just so tasty. Tannins are massy and chewy though also have a slightly chalky edge giving more texture and flavor detail. This 100% Merlot, made by the same team as Château Clinet in Pomerol with a collection of growers across Bordeaux, is incredibly delicious and joyful, a perfect time to drink yet feels as if it has more life left in it yet. A top buy! Drinking Window: 2022 – 2026.” – Georgina Hindle, Decanter (October 2022)
91 Points: “The Merlot-dominated 2016 By Clinet (there's 5% Cabernet Franc) is a charming, already delicious effort that gives up elegant notes of chocolate-laced plums and dark fruits, notes of leafy herbs and truffle, medium to full body, and a layered, charming mouthfeel. It's a terrific Bordeaux to drink over the coming 7-8 years or so.” – Jeb Dunnuck (February 2019)
FROM THE IMPORTER
Ronan by Clinet is made by the winemaking team at Pomerol’s celebrated Château Clinet, created with a modern and distinctive style. Grapes are carefully sourced from selected properties situated close to Château Clinet in appellations that include Côtes de Castillon, Côtes de Bourg, Lussac St-Emilion and Bordeaux.
The winemaking team in their new, state-of-the art winery – specifically built to develop the ‘Ronan’ wine – have crafted a new take on Claret: forward, soft and fresh with a balanced texture and a persistent, flavor some finish.
THE CLINET STORY
Château Clinet has a long storied past, beginning with the early Roman settlement of Pomerol. Centuries later, during the Middle Ages, Pomerol became a pilgrimage stop enroute to Santiago de Compostela. The Knights of Jerusalem set up hostels in the region and visitors enjoyed the locally-produced wine on their arduous journey. Interestingly, the regional wine at that time was white!
One of the oldest estates in Pomerol, Château Clinet was established in 1785 on the famous Grunz Gravel Terrace. From 1900-1991, the Arnaud family owned both Château Clinet and Pétrus, with several other owners managing the property subsequently.
In 1998, the Laborde family purchased Clinet and a few years later, Ronan stepped in as manager, making
extensive changes. He replanted 20% of the vineyard and increased the yields from 25 to 40 hectoliters. Currently the 11.27 hectare vineyard is planted with 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon.
More recently, a new winery has been built and plans to extend the barrel rooms and tasting room are in the works as well. In 2009, Ronan’s efforts were rewarded with the property’s first 100-pt rating from Robert Parker. Since then, ratings continue to be in the high 90’s.
In addition to the estate wine, Ronan also produces an excellent négociant wine, with an annual production of 360,000 bottles of Ronan Rouge (100% Merlot) and 30,000 bottles of the Ronan Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon). A large new winery, also in Pomerol, was built to accommodate the production of the table wine. There too, both Ronan and Monique have their offices. For a number of years, Monique has worked to oversee the marketing and sales programs. Currently, with Ronan now
heading up the UGCB, she is more involved than ever with the daily operation at both wineries.
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