Château Feytit-Clinet 2018

This has been made with precision and care – it’s understated but with so much to enjoy, showing Pomerol typicity with elegance and not the creaminess of some, more on dried herbs and spices and again in pencil-lead territory, but with great juice running through, cassis fruits, and a wonderful lift at the end. I just love this estate and this is delicious stuff from Jeremy Chasseuil.

Blackcurrants, blackberries and some spices with dark-chocolate and chili undertones. Full-bodied, flavorful and sharp with a firm tannin structure. Succulent finish with good length. Salty and white-pepper undertones. Serious young Pomerol. Try after 2024.

Barrel sample. Black with the narrowest purple rim. A little riper on the nose than the Clos René just tasted. Darker, more stewed fruit. Firm and dry in texture but cool and fresh on the finish. A little spirity on the nose. Concentrated but on the right side of intense. (JH)

The 2018 Feytit-Clinet is a limpid purple hue. The bouquet is more backward than other Pomerols I tasted, taking its time and gradually opening to reveal black cherries, blueberry, melted tar and licorice, all vying for attention. The palate is very smooth on entry, with a fine thread of acidity. Sweet black fruit and licorice command your attention and dovetail into a saline finish. This is a very classy Feytit-Clinet from proprietor Jeremy Chasseuil.

Flowers, cherries, plums, truffles, licorice, and a touch of cocoa on the nose. On the palate, the wine is rich, deep, multi-layered, and multi-faceted, with a long, intense finish packed with dark chocolate, plums, espresso, spice, and black cherries. Texturally, this is creamy and sensuous, with length and lift on the palate and the back end. You can enjoy this today, but it is only going to get better with age. Drink from 2023-2045.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple glints, slightly lighter at the rim. Restrained aroma, black forest fruit jam, a touch of nougat. Shy bouquet. Medium complexity, soft nougat core, vivid tannins, savoury finish. Good potential for development.

92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 14.8% vol. Deep purple-garnet with a dense core and a violet rim. Ripe bouquet of cassis and blackberry jelly, followed by licorice and hints of lilac. On the palate, a full-bodied wine with gripping tannins, made in a very modern style, yet the well-supported freshness and ripe extract keep the wine in balance. Aromatic finish with a full basket of blue berries and cherry juice. I’ve never liked it as much as this year.

Kunz barrel sample 19: (92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc) Sweet, medium-intensity bouquet, red berries, mint, fine chocolate. Powerful, aromatic palate with velvety fruit, fine-sandy tannins, broad structure, and an opulent finish.

(92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc) Sweet, medium-bodied bouquet, red berries, mint, delicate chocolate note. Powerful, aromatic palate with velvety fruit, finely sandy tannins, broad structure, opulent finish. 17/20 2025 - 2038

The freshness of rose and pepper aromas mingling with dark fruit is mouthwatering; the attack on the palate is broad, and the tannins are charming and creamy. This is the crooner of Pomerol.

Logo on the cork: A in a circle (Amorim)