Château Clinet, Ronan By Clinet Bordeaux Rouge, 2020
Château Clinet, Ronan By Clinet Bordeaux Rouge, 2020
- 75cl
- 14.5%
- Red Still
- Merlot
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2030
This is a 100% Merlot from a variety of appellations on the north bank of the estuary, handled with extreme care and attention. Oak aged to soften the tannins, the nose is expressive with plenty of raspberry, blackberry and cherry fruit with hints of flowers such as violets. On the palate it is deliciously fruity with good structure and excellent acid balance with some fine notes of spices in the finish. Persistent and toothsome.
An excellent job from Clinet who built a winery in Pomerol specifically for the production of this little gem.
This 2020 is drinking beautifully now, with primary fruit at its peak and the oak nicely integrated. Over the next 2-3 years, the fruit will become more concentrated as the wine settles, developing subtle earthy notes while retaining its charm. It should hold this plateau until 2030, gradually showing more secondary complexity with leather and tobacco nuances.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby with a youthful purple rim, showing good concentration.
NoseExpressive aromatics of raspberry and blackberry leap from the glass, joined by fresh cherry and delicate violet florals. The oak integration is seamless, adding subtle warmth rather than dominating the fruit. There's a hint of graphite minerality that speaks to the wine's structure.
PalateThe fruit delivers on the nose's promise with generous raspberry and blackberry flavours, but this isn't soft Merlot. Good structure underpins the fruit, with well-integrated tannins providing grip without harshness. The acid balance keeps everything fresh and focused, leading to warming spice notes that build through the mid-palate.
FinishPersistent and satisfying, with spice notes lingering alongside dark fruit and a touch of minerality.
Overall impressionThis is Merlot with purpose, showing both the variety's natural charm and the structure to age gracefully.
Food Pairings
In Bordeaux, this style of wine would accompany the region's hearty bistro fare: duck confit with garlic potatoes, côte de boeuf with bone marrow, or the local favourite of entrecôte à la bordelaise with shallots and red wine reduction. The locals might also pair it with their famous lamproie (lamprey eel) stew, though magret de canard with wild mushrooms is more accessible. Cheese would be something rich but not too aged, perhaps a young Roquefort or the local goat cheeses from the Périgord.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-17°C, slightly cooler than a big Pomerol to preserve the fresh fruit character. No need to decant, though a quick pour into a decanter 30 minutes before serving will help it open up. Use medium-sized Bordeaux glasses that will concentrate the aromatics without overwhelming the wine's elegance.
This wine draws from various appellations across Bordeaux's right bank, predominantly areas with clay-limestone soils that suit Merlot perfectly. The cooler, clay-rich sites provide structure and freshness, while the limestone adds minerality and elegance. By blending fruit from different terroirs, Clinet creates complexity that mirrors their Pomerol approach but at a more approachable level.
Bordeaux Rouge is the region's entry-level appellation, covering the entire Bordeaux area and allowing blending across commune boundaries. The regulations are less restrictive than the prestigious village appellations, permitting higher yields and more flexible winemaking. This freedom allows producers like Clinet to craft wines that express their house style while remaining accessible, often using fruit from young vines or parcels that don't make it into their premium cuvées.
The 2020 Bordeaux vintage began with one of the wettest winters on record, followed by a scorching summer that nearly broke temperature records across the region. What could have been a disaster became salvation: those deep winter water reserves carried the vines through the heat, while the dry conditions from July onwards concentrated flavours beautifully. The harvest started early and moved quickly, with most châteaux picking under ideal September skies.
We find 2020 Bordeaux surprisingly charming for such a hot year - the wines show ripe, generous fruit without the baked character you might expect. The Merlot-based Right Bank wines are particularly successful, displaying plush damson and blackberry flavours with enough freshness to keep them lively. Cabernet Sauvignon on the Left Bank delivers power and concentration, though some properties struggled more than others with the heat. Most 2020s are drinking beautifully now - this isn't a vintage that demands decades of patience, and we rather like that about it.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Pure Merlot with bright raspberry and blackberry fruit, violet florals, and supple tannins. It's fruity and accessible but with real structure underneath.
When should I drink this wine?
It's delicious right now and will remain at its best until 2030. No need to wait, though it will reward a few years of patience.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Duck, beef, lamb, or rich vegetarian dishes with mushrooms. Think bistro cooking rather than fine dining - it loves hearty, flavourful food.
Do I need to decant this wine?
Not essential, but 30 minutes in a decanter will help it open up. Serve at 16-17°C in medium Bordeaux glasses.
Is this worth cellaring?
It's built for drinking pleasure rather than long ageing, though good examples will develop nicely over 8-10 years. Buy it to enjoy, not to invest.
How does this compare to Château Clinet's main wine?
This shows the Clinet style and attention to detail but uses fruit from across Bordeaux rather than their Pomerol vineyards. It's their house style made accessible.
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