Ronan by Clinet 2020: A Proper Bordeaux Red Without the Pomerol Price Tag
Ronan by Clinet 2020 is a generous, fruit-driven Bordeaux red with ripe plum, black cherry, supple tannins and a pleasant touch of spice. Produced by the team behind Château Clinet, one of Pomerol’s prestigious estates, it brings some of the Right Bank’s Merlot character to a considerably more affordable bottle.
The 2020 vintage has given this wine plenty of ripe fruit and a rounded texture, while the tannins remain firm enough to provide structure. It’s a straightforward, satisfying Bordeaux with enough substance to make it interesting and none of the intimidating austerity sometimes associated with the region’s more expensive reds.
The Basics
- Producer: Ronan by Clinet – Château Clinet
- Wine: Ronan by Clinet Bordeaux Rouge
- Vintage: 2020
- Appellation: Bordeaux AOC
- Region: Bordeaux, France
- Production area: Right Bank of Bordeaux
- Grapes: predominantly Merlot, with Cabernet varieties also reported in some technical listings
- Soils: clay-limestone, varying according to the vineyards
- Vinification: fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks
- Ageing: 12 months in stainless steel and oak barrels
- Alcohol: 14% ABV
- Bottle size: 750 ml
- Serving temperature: 16–18°C
The Producer and the Terroir
Ronan by Clinet was created by Ronan Laborde, owner of Château Clinet, to offer a more accessible interpretation of Bordeaux’s Right Bank wines. The project draws on the expertise of the Pomerol estate, using grapes sourced from selected vineyards beyond the boundaries of the prestigious appellation.
The vineyards are spread across several Right Bank areas, including sites around Castillon and Lussac-Saint-Émilion. Clay and limestone are common features of these soils, although their proportions vary considerably between parcels.
Merlot is particularly comfortable in this environment. It ripens relatively early and develops a generous fruit character, often with softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2020 growing season was warm and dry, producing ripe, concentrated grapes throughout much of Bordeaux. For Merlot, the challenge was preserving freshness while allowing the tannins to reach full maturity.
Ronan by Clinet takes advantage of the vintage’s generous fruit without attempting to reproduce the density or complexity of a classified-growth Bordeaux.
How It’s Made
The grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, allowing the winemaking team to manage extraction and preserve the fruit’s aromatic character.
The wine then spends 12 months ageing in a combination of stainless steel and oak barrels. The steel maintains the freshness of the Merlot, while the oak contributes a discreet spicy character and helps soften the tannins.
This relatively restrained approach suits the purpose of the wine. Ronan by Clinet is designed to be enjoyable without the long cellaring demanded by some of Bordeaux’s more ambitious reds.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Deep ruby red with purple reflections, bright and concentrated.
Bouquet: Ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry, followed by black pepper, liquorice and a delicate hint of cedar. A touch of violet and dark chocolate adds complexity, while the fruit remains the dominant feature.
Palate: Round and generous, with juicy dark fruit and a smooth, fairly substantial texture. The tannins are present but approachable, providing structure without making the wine excessively dry. There is enough acidity to balance the ripeness, while the oak contributes a restrained spicy note. A pleasant Bordeaux, with good concentration and an accessible character.
Finish: Medium-long, dry and fruity, with lingering plum, black cherry and black pepper. The tannins leave a gentle grip on the palate.
Our Verdict
Ronan by Clinet 2020 is a well-made everyday Bordeaux, generous in fruit and pleasantly structured. The oak remains discreet, the tannins are approachable and the warm vintage gives the wine a satisfying richness.
Compared with the more concentrated Merlots of Pomerol, this is a simpler, more immediate expression of the Right Bank, with considerably less ageing potential but plenty of drinking pleasure for the price.
Price
€15.00.
Food Pairings
Paella, vitello tonnato, chicken curry, pulled pork, empanadas, hamburgers.
