i. Biography
Ronan Laborde has led Château Clinet in Pomerol, France, since 2004, and that appointment defines the work: a long stewardship at a Bordeaux property where the scale is seasonal, the decisions are cumulative, and reputation is built in increments rather than gestures.
The Path
Early in his career, Ronan Laborde served as president of Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, a position that placed him inside the machinery of Bordeaux’s public face and established the authority he would later bring to Château Clinet. That role sat in a demanding field of peers and set a practical tone for what followed. Today, he is CEO and owner of Château Clinet (since 2004), a dual responsibility that links management to ownership and keeps the work close to the property year after year.
The Work Today
The cellar philosophy is direct: fruit, wood, and time are treated as active parts of the same process. In Ronan Laborde’s own words, “We truly believe that the juice will improve by getting in contact with the oak which will improve the quality the complexity of the wines.” The point is not decoration but structure, with oak used as a tool for refinement, complexity, and finish.
Signature
Ronan's signature wines include Ronan by Clinet and Pomerol by Clinet. The two labels show the range of Château Clinet’s output through his hand: one framed for more everyday use, the other carrying Pomerol in a more pointed register. Both sit within the same house style, where clarity and balance matter more than flourish.
In Their Words “We truly believe that the juice will improve by getting in contact with the oak which will improve the quality the complexity of the wines.” “I hope wine drinkers can casually consume Ronan by Clinet as a daily wine.”
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Ronan
What is Ronan Laborde's current role?
As of 2026, Ronan Laborde is Managing Director and Owner.
Where did Ronan Laborde work before?
Ronan Laborde's earlier career included Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux.
