Ronan by Clinet, Bordeaux 2009, France
There’s a lot of interest at the moment in Bordeaux, thanks to the latest 2010 vintage being shown for the first time and the wines being offered for sale ‘en primeur’. And 2010 follows another ‘vintage of the century’ in 2009 which many have proclaimed outstanding. This particular 2009 is an interesting wine. It is 100% Merlot made by the winemaking team at the famous Pomerol chateau Clinet, led by Michel Rolland. But this is not from Pomerol, and so carries a price of less than £10. It is flooded with plump, silky, sweet and rich plum and red fruit, just gently layered with smoky oak. On the palate it has that plumpness and richness, but a fine edge of tannin and mineral acidity too. A terrific red Bordeaux and a bit of an insider secret. 9.95, .
