97 Points – Wine Advocate

Chateau Clinet ‘By Clinet’ Pomerol 2016 is a stunning Right Bank Bordeaux from one of Pomerol’s most celebrated estates — elegant, polished and built with the extraordinary depth and complexity that only the legendary 2016 vintage can deliver.

With 97 points from Wine Advocate, this is one of the finest expressions of Pomerol available at this price — a wine that sits in genuinely rarefied company.

My Wine Man

This is for someone who wants a serious, world-class Pomerol at a price that still makes sense.

Chateau Clinet is one of Pomerol’s most respected estates, and the 2016 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest Bordeaux vintages of the modern era — producing wines of extraordinary concentration, balance and ageing potential.

‘By Clinet’ is the estate’s second wine — made from the same team, the same philosophy and the same terroir as the grand vin, but at a fraction of the price. At 97 Wine Advocate points, this is not a compromise — it is a genuinely exceptional wine in its own right.

In my view, this is one of the most compelling fine wine opportunities in the store — a 97-point Pomerol from a legendary vintage at HK$349.

What makes this wine stand out

This is all about the elegance, polish and depth of great Pomerol from a once-in-a-generation vintage.

Cedar and smoked meats define the nose, giving way to black and red plums, cassis and earthy complexity with wafts of pencil shavings. The palate is medium to full-bodied, elegant and vivacious, with loads of red and black fruit layers and a long, earthy finish.

The defining feature is the polish — 90% Merlot aged 16 months in 70% new oak, everything is seamlessly integrated with a silky, refined texture that is the hallmark of great Pomerol.

Elegant, complex and utterly compelling.

Style / drinking window

Medium to full-bodied with black plum, red plum, cassis, cedar, smoked meat and earthy complexity.

Polished tannins and vivacious acidity provide elegance, depth and a long, refined finish.

Drinking beautifully now with decanting, with a peak drinking window extending well into the 2030s.

Why this is a must-buy

At HK$349, this is one of the most compelling fine wine opportunities in the store.

It delivers:

• 97 Wine Advocate points from the legendary 2016 Bordeaux vintage
• Pomerol elegance and complexity from one of the appellation’s most respected estates
• grand vin quality and philosophy at a second wine price

Ideal for roast lamb, duck, beef, truffle dishes or a very special occasion.

Looking for a different Right Bank Bordeaux style?

• Chateau Gachon Montagne Saint-Émilion 2016 → same legendary vintage / more accessible price
• Chateau Quinault L’Enclos Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2017 → step up / Grand Cru Classé / different appellation
• Chateau Laroque Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2021 → newer vintage / fresher style

Life’s too short for bad wine.