Château Clinet's 1990 is a fabulously rich Merlot blend from the very good 1990 Bordeaux vintage – and is drinking at its peak right now.

Clinet, which consists of 9 hectares of premium vineyards on a rich gravel plateau above Pomerol, owes its reputation to the late Jean-Michel Arcaute who transformed Clinet in the 1980s, a then disappointingly underperforming estate, to the pinnacle of Pomerol's producers in just five years. Shortly afterwards Jean-Michel sold Clinet to its present owner Jean-Louis Laborde who has continued the good work ever since.

“A sensational effort, and one of the two finest Clinets made before the 2008, this prodigious wine made by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute has always been a sprinter out of the gate. Even at age 19, it continues to strut its stuff. A dense blue/garnet/purple hue exhibits slight lightening at the edge, and the gorgeous nose offers up aromas of sweet blueberries, licorice, smoke, acacia flowers, and camphor. Full-bodied with silky tannins, low acidity, and terrific purity, this 1990 has hit its plateau of full maturity where it should remain for another decade.” eRobertParker.com

"Beautifully crafted red. Brilliant ruby color. Aromas of fresh berries, blackberries and chocolate jump from the glass. Full-bodied and chewy, but velvety and caressing. Lots of ripe fruit." Wine Spectator