2016 Climens Sauternes

95 DEC

Qty:

From the critics:

96+ RP

94 VM

93 WS

Pale lemon-gold colored, the 2016 Climens is a little youthfully mute, revealing notions of ripe peaches, mango and musk melon with touches of cedar chest, orange blossoms, candied ginger and baking bread. Bursting in the mouth with vibrant, energetic stone fruit and tropical layers, it is framed by fantastic freshness, finishing long and creamy.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 96+ RP

My favourite sweet wine at the tasting (including Yquem). Already glorious, this will live decades. Burnished gold hue, botrytis notes on the nose, some leafy, spicy, lemongrass hints and a palate with just the right balance between lusciousness and freshness. Extremely subtle oak. A wonderful Barsac to drink between now and 2060.

Decanter | 95 DEC

The 2016 Climens has a wonderful bouquet similar to my last bottle, more expressive now with orange pith, wild honey and quince. Like before it opens wonderfully in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with fine definition, fresh and vibrant with a creamy honeyed texture, praline and apricot, on the seductive finish. Superb. Tasted at the Climens vertical at the château in April 2022.

Vinous Media | 94 VM

Expressive, with peach, mirabelle plum, mango and pear fruit flavors running along in unison, lacing with light bitter almond and orange notes and a flash of honeysuckle. Best from 2022 through 2038.

Wine Spectator | 93 WS

Type of Wine	Dessert
Varietal	Semillon
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	Sauternes
Appellation	Barsac

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.