Description
Situated on the western part of the plateau in the Pomerol wine appellation in Bordeaux, Château Feytit-Clinet belonged to the stable of Moueix family wines being leased until 1999, until the Chasseuil family took control back.
Jeremy Chasseuil arrived at Château Feytit-Clinet in time for the stunning 2000 vintage. Previously a wine-maker at Château La Dominique, his efforts since have resulted in some very impressive wines.
As soon as Jeremy Chasseuil began to take charge of Chateau Feytit Clinet, the first changes took place in how they farmed and harvested their vineyards. Chateau Feytit Clinet quickly reduced their yields from as high as 60 hectoliters per hectare down to between 32 and 40 hectoliters per hectare. Soils here are rich in clay which favours the Merlot grape rather than the Cabernets, and Jeremy has exploited them perfectly to produce succulent wines, never over-extracted, and full of charm and distinction.
Blend – 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Terroir – The 7 hectare Feytit Clinet terroir consists of gravel, sand and clay soils. On average the vines are close to 35 years of age. The vine density is 7,150 vines per hectare.
Winemaking – To produce the wine of Chateau Feytit Clinet, after the grapes are sorted twice before and after destemming on two successive tables, the vinification of Chateau Feytit Clinet takes place in seven, small, 46 hectoliter, concrete fermentation vats and two smaller stainless steel tanks. The temperatures during fermentation vary from 28 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius. The wine of Feytit Clinet spends 4-5 weeks in vat following the alcoholic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation takes place in 70% to 80% new French oak barrels.
Ageing – The wine remains on its lees for several months, which helps add to the its richness, color and depth. The wine is then aged in 70% to 80% new, French oak barrels for between for 16 to 18 months before bottling.
This wine has a beautiful, dense, opaque bluish/purple color, with loads of sweet fruit, no noticeable oak, earth, spice and a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel. The finish is long, opulent and beautifully textured. This is stunning Pomerol in this vintage.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate – 93+ points
This wine has a beautiful, dense, opaque bluish/purple color, with loads of sweet fruit, no noticeable oak, earth, spice and a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel. The finish is long, opulent and beautifully textured. This is stunning Pomerol in this vintage. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. There is also room for further improvement. The final blend was 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc with the alcohol 14.1% from tiny yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare.
James Suckling – 92 points
A silky and refined wine with superb balance and beauty for the vintage. Full-bodied, very fine and following through to a long and flavorful finish. Dark fruit and light coffee on the finish. Better in 2017.