The arrival of managing director Jean-Michel Arcaute in the early 1980s marked a real truning point in the wines of Clinet. Following the advice of his consultant, Michel Rolland, Jean-Michel introduced revolutionary changes to the status quo: green harvest, leaf thinning, delaying harvest until full physiological ripeness had been reached and reducing the percentage of Cabernets in favor of the more suitable Merlot, among other important modifications. In the winery, the percentage of new French oak barrels was increased to reflect the greater concentration of the wine, as was the length of the elevage--from 13 months in 1970 to almost 24 months today, according to the characteristics of the vintage. Respected American wine critic Robert Parker Jr. twice named Arcaute Winemaker of the Year, and bestowed the rare and coveted 100 point scre to Clinet's exceptional 1989 vintage.

Rating

Wine Advocate 94 points (Apr 2006) The most profound Clinet since the prodigies produced by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute in 1989 and 1990, the 2005 boasts a fabulous nose of blueberries, violets, truffles, subtle wood, and cold steel. Inky/purple-hued, full-bodied, and multilayered with adequate acidity, this exceptionally well-endowed, pure effort is a tour de force in winemaking. Although it is high in tannin, there is so much fruit and glycerin (the alcohol must be 14+%) that it should be drinkable in 4-6 years, and keep for three decades. (94-96) points.