Expressive nose full of ripe red fruits and floral scents. The smooth, sappy red berry fruit is smooth and detailed, succulent, with tannins that are massy and chewy though also have a slightly chalky edge giving more texture and flavor detail. A 100% Merlot made by the same team as Chateau Clinet in Pomerol with a collection of growers across Bordeaux. Perfect for drinking, though with life in it yet.

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.

Light black cherry and plum pit notes are infused with a hint of tobacco. Merlot. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 10,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.

The 2016 Ronan by Clinet, the Bordeaux AC from Ronan Laborde of Château Clinet, has a clean, fresh, juicy red cherry and crushed strawberry bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with simple blackberry and cedar notes, easy-drinking in style but offering satisfying body toward the finish. Drink over the next three to five years.