NYC, Long Island and The Hamptons Receive Free Delivery on Orders $300+

1989 Climens

1989 Climens

94 VM

Featured Review
The 1989 Climens retains its glorious bouquet of copious scents of dried honey, saffron, barley sugar and gingerbread - so vibrant and engaging. This feels as if it has more vim and vigor than the 1999 tasted alongside. The harmonious palate is full of life and mellifluous in texture, featuring quince and stewed apricot mixed with lemongrass toward the persistent finish. Superb. Tasted from a bottle in my own collection. Vinous Media

Vinous (Galloni) | 94 VM

Critic Reviews

The 1989 Climens retains its glorious bouquet of copious scents of dried honey, saffron, barley sugar and gingerbread - so vibrant and engaging. This feels as if it has more vim and vigor than the 1999 tasted alongside. The harmonious palate is full of life and mellifluous in texture, featuring quince and stewed apricot mixed with lemongrass toward the persistent finish. Superb. Tasted from a bottle in my own collection.

Vinous Media | 94 VM
High-wired, super-focused, seductively creamy and beautifully balanced. The beam of lemon, honey, spice, pear and melon flavor shines through to a fresh, long finish. Tempting now. Best after 1997.

Wine Spectator | 93 WS
(Château Climens (Barsac)) Of the wonderful troika of wines produced at Château Climens in the 1988, 1989 and 1990 vintages, I have always had a very, very slight preference for the utterly classic 1988 over its two younger siblings. The 1989 Climens, at this particular tasting here in New York in September showed very well, but perhaps just a tad lower than my very high expectations for this wine. The nose was very pretty, but a bit riper and more tropical than I remember, as it offered up scents of pineapple, honey, new leather, tea leaves, dried oranges and crème brulée. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and just a tad forceful in style compared to more classic vintages of Climens (such as 1971, 1983, 1986 or 1988), but with lovely mid-palate depth, fine focus and excellent length and grip on the complex and poised finish. The 1989 Climens has now reached its apogee of maturity, but should continue to cruise along beautifully for several more decades. (Drink between 2009-2030).

John Gilman | 92 JG
For whatever reason, the 1989 is merely outstanding rather than dazzling. Although it lacks the complexity of the 1988, it is a plump, muscular, rich, intense, full-bodied, and sweeter-than-usual Climens. For a 1989, it possesses good acidity. If more complexity and grip develop, my rating may look stingy. Anticipated maturity: now-2010. Last tasted 11/94.

Robert M. Parker, Jr. | 90 RP

Wine Details for 1989 Climens

Type of Wine Dessert White : In the minds of many wine lovers, no food pairing matches the appeal of a dessert and an appropriate dessert wine. For those of us with a pronounced sweet tooth, dessert whites come in many shapes, sizes, and, most importantly, varietals. Whether you're dealing with an Austrian Pinot Blanc or a sweet German Riesling, it's hard to resist for long.
Varietal Sauternes Blend : Twenty-five miles southeast of the city of Bordeaux, in the southern end of the Graves winegrowing district, a magical event takes place – harvest season in Sauternes. Each year, beginning in September, the white grape varietals Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle become the star performers in an otherworldly transformation that takes winemaking to a completely magnificent level. Of course, this event could not take place would it not be for nature to play its part.

A unique set of climatic and geological conditions combine to form a rare equilibrium. A ghostly fog descends upon the region each morning, created by the differing water temperatures of the cool Ciron tributary as it flows into the warm Garonne River near Barsac and Preignac. The humid mornings give way to warm afternoon sun, encouraging the proliferation of Botrytis Cinerea.

Approximately 2,000 hectares of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle apron the region’s vineyards of Sauternes. Semillon is the most widely planted, with roughly 75% of the distribution in the vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc is planted to a little less than 25%, while Muscadelle inhabits the remaining hectares (Muscadelle is able to contract Botrytis Cinerea but not to the same effect, thus being used in miniscule amounts). The three allowable grapes (by AOC law) thrive in a terroir of varying degrees of chalk, limestone, sand, clay and gravel which rest over an alluvial bed. The soil in Sauternes is warm and dry, accumulating heat due to the smooth flat pebbles and course gravel which collect the suns warmth.

The Sauternes’ plateau reaches elevations of 3 to 80 meters, awarding the location with a unique set of micro-climates and allowing winds from the east to move through the vineyards helping to remove unwanted moisture. This is especially crucial later in the growing season, as the noble rot sets in.

Noble rot, otherwise known as Botrytis Cinerea, is a fungus that attacks the grapes. The very unique and specific climate of this region allows for this magical process to occur. The grapes become shriveled, dehydrated and concentrated with extraordinary characteristics. The byproduct is a honey filled, tropical, roasted nut and exotic elixir that is otherworldly. Pineapple, peaches, flowers, orange, vanilla, butterscotch, coconut and honey infiltrate the nose and palate creating an experience that is euphoric. Typical Sauterne blends are golden yellow in color and turn amber when aged.

Due to the immense risks taken during the harvesting season, where the possibility of grey rot (grapes become overly saturated with moisture) could occur or the complete absence of noble rot, they are the most expensive wines in the world to produce. This viticultural hazard combined with the “gold” quality liquid commands top-dollar prices.

Country France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world.



For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide.



France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity.



France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.



With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.


Region Sauternes : The white wines of Bordeaux are sometimes sadly looked over, as the region is primarily known for their almost absurdly powerful and delicious reds. However, if you like a refreshing, sweet treat on a late summer evening or you wish to complete your journey through Bordeaux's finest wines, you should not skip a Sauternes bottle or two. Made from a carefully balanced mixture of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grape varietals, this wine boasts an almost supernatural sweetness. This sugary nature can be attributed to the presence of noble rot that can cause the grapes to visually resemble raisins in a way.

We would completely understand if a single taste of fine Sauternes brought visible tears of joy to your eyes, as the flavor is just that magnificent. As you swirl the liquid gold in your mouth, an orchestral performance echoes on, with a grounding double bass of honey and the sharpness and acidity of a passionate violin solo. Notes of peach, apricot and nut punctuate the experience, sending you sky-high with inspiration and pure, emotional bliss. Let us open the door to a whole new world together.
Subregion Barsac
Cru Premier Cru

Overview

Producer Chateau Climens : Resting atop the plateau of Barsac, surrounded by 30-hectares of Sauternes’ most alluvial and famed terroir sits the elegant, yet discreet Chartreuse of Chateau Climens. This traditional style home perched upon its peak serves as a testament to its distinguished past. It was built by the Roborel de Climens family in the 17th century, though the family name can be traced back to 1547, when the estate’s first family inheritance contract was etched. Climens was classified a Premier Cru of the appellation in the official 1855 classification of the Medoc and today is one of the most premier Sauternes to grace the market.

Paradoxically, the name Climens means “unfertile or poor land” in the local dialect. What wasn’t taken into consideration during this unceremonious naming was that the extremely chalky soil of Barsac, comprised mostly of limestone, sand and clay is perfectly attuned to the chosen varietal (Semillon) of the appellation for “sweet Bordeaux white” wine. The land is soggy and the air is most often fog covered, creating its own unique micro-climate. The primary grape variety of Sauternes wine is Semillon, which is a particularly trendy host for botrytis (Noble Rot). The other two grapes Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle attract botrytis as well, though, to a lesser extent.

Beginning in 2014, the estate became 100% biodynamically farmed, using natural practices to treat and protect the 30-hectares under vine. Organic teas, such as Chamomile, Horsetail, Willow Tree, Cypress and Juniper Berry are modified into disease destroying agents which are eco-friendly. Their commitment to nature is commendable and ingenious.

To produce the wine of Chateau Climens, vinification takes place in French oak barrels at 27-degrees Celsius for 2 to 3 weeks. Once the wine reaches the desired degree of alcohol, the fermentation temperature is rapidly dropped to about 3 degrees Celsius. The wine is aged on average 35% to 45% new, French oak barrels for close to 20 to 24 months. The amount of new oak barrels depends on the character and quality of the vintage. Climens is one of the few Bordeaux wine producers to make a non-blended wine and uses 100% Semillon. A mere 3,000 cases of Chateau Climens is produced annually.

People also bought:

Need Help Finding the right wine?

Your personal wine consultant will assist you with buying, managing your collection, investing in wine, entertaining and more.

loader
Loading...