The 1988 is a dazzling example of Clinet. Its color is a deep black/purple, and the bouquet exhibits the classic Pomerol scents of truffles, plums, subtle herbs, and new oak. The wine makes a huge impression, with a sweetness, rich extraction of fruit, and a full-bodied, opulent finish. This ripe, dense, fruity 1988 has shed its tannin quickly. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted, 6/93.

The first top-flight wine made under the late Jean-Michel Arcaute, the 1988 continues to evolve splendidly. Notes of espresso coffee, sweet blackberry and cherry fruit intermixed with plum and currant jump from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, very concentrated 1988. This is another wine from this vintage that has evolved beautifully and is somewhat of a sleeper pick, as the vintage remains, at least for a wine such as Clinet, underrated. Anticipated maturity: Now-2012. Last taste, 10/02.