Critic ratings
vinous
2015
Rating:
97
–97
Gracious, light on its feet and positively sublime, the 2015 Climens is one of the wines of the vintage. Its airiness and grace are hard to capture with words. Lightly honeyed notes, chamomile and exotic flowers lead into orchard fruit and candied citrus in this impeccably polished, nuanced Barsac. I would prefer to cellar the 2015 for at least a few years to get the benefit of even more complexity, but readers will have a very hard time keeping their hands off this gem from Climens and proprietor Bérénice Lurton.
vinous
2015
Rating:
97
–97
The 2015 Climens is notoriously difficult to taste in its youth, the aromatics often shutting down for the first few years and consequently showing poorly in blind tastings. Indeed, this transpires during the blind tasting of 2015 Sauternes so I retrieved another bottle and allowed it 48 hours to open. This is where this note comes from. It has a bashful bouquet compared to its peers with notes of beeswax and honeycomb, just a touch of jasmine developing in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a lightly spiced opening, notes of stem ginger and rhubarb with a vivacious and quite persistent finish that bodes well for the future. It is a great Climens in the making, but it will need a decade in bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.
vinous
1998
Rating:
89
–89
Bright green-tinged yellow. Fine, highly nuanced nose combines yellow plum, peach, grapefruit, vanilla and toast, along with cooler menthol and mineral notes. Very bright and very young; not yet showing its flesh. Not especially sweet, even for Barsac, with a reported 49 g/l r.s. Currently the flavors are dominated by new oak scents of toffee and vanilla (the wine was aged in 50% new barrels, compared to a typical 33%). Should eventually merit a 90-plus rating, but this wine is developing very slowly.
vinous
1998
Rating:
87
–90
Sexy aromas of peach, apricot and spicy, toasty oak. Not especially fat but sophisticated on the palate; flavors of ripe white pit fruits meld nicely with oak notes of resin, toffee and butterscotch. The finish is a bit dominated by the oak but remains sweet, not bitter. Climens is notoriously tricky to taste early, and thus this wine may well be stronger than it showing today.
vinous
1999
Rating:
88
–88
The 1999 Climens is a good Barsac but not my favorite Climens. At 20 years old it has a rather punchy, attacking bouquet that is missing the composure of the best vintages. The palate is marked by a sharp thread of acidity that unbalances the wine overall, and it seems to run out of ideas toward the finish. There is enjoyment to be found, but Bérénice Lurton has crafted far better Climens than this in the past. Tasted from a bottle in my own collection.
vinous
1999
Rating:
91
–91
($48.50) Pale color. Cool, perfumed aromas of lemon ice, licorice, and spicy, vanillin oak. Tightly wound, even lean, yet one senses the density of material beneath the wine new oak component. Very firmly built and stylish but a bit youthfully edgy today. Finishes with late notes of vanilla and honey.
vinous
1999
Rating:
91
–94
Deep yellow. Cool, subtly perfumed aromas of yellow plum, spring flowers and peppermint. Very dense and aristocratic; sweet but not at all sugary. Seems richer and more powerful than the more polite '98, but retains great suavity. Finishes extremely long, with a whiplash of flavor.
vinous
2012
Rating:
92
–92
The 2012 Climens was tasted from two bottles, the first weirdly green. The second was an absolute joy. Well-defined on the nose, it offers lovely beeswax, honeysuckle, jasmine and yellow flowers. The palate is very pure with fine weight, quite tangy, lightly spiced with a pretty marmalade-tinged finish. A very commendable Sauternes in context of the season, but not a top-tier Climens. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
vinous
2008
Rating:
93
–93
The 2008 Climens delivers 132g/L residual sugar. It has a much less expressive nose than the 2009: honey, wet wool, slightly petrolly in style. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, great depth and intensity, showing more clarity than the nose suggests. I would afford this another two or three years in bottle. Excellent. Tasted at the Climens vertical at the château in April 2022.
vinous
2008
Rating:
93
–93
Bright golden yellow. Fresh apricot, orange oil, hazelnut and racy spices on the tangy nose. Silky, lush and deep, with superb balancing acidity keeping this utterly seamless wine light on its feet. Showing more spice than apricot fruit now but this refined, very long wine is dusty with material and very long and subtle on the aftertaste. Its balance makes it attractive already but I'd hold it for at least another five to seven years to give it a chance to absorb some of its spicy oak.
vinous
2014
Rating:
94
–94
The 2014 Climens has 141g/L residual sugar and was cropped at just 8.8hL/ha. It has a pure and elegant bouquet. Honey, quince and white peach mixes with chamomile - this is irresistible. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, taut and fresh with a bewitching tensile finish. Quite penetrating and a little more citrus-driven than the 2015. Superb. Tasted at the Climens vertical at the château in April 2022.
vinous
2014
Rating:
94
–94
The 2014 Climens has to shake off a little reduction on the nose, eventually revealing dried honey, quince, apple blossom and caramelized pear aromas. The palate is very well balanced with a killer line of acidity that slices through the rich botrytized fruit. It fans out wonderfully towards the second, displaying great depth and concentration, genuine complexity that rivets you to the spot on the finish. Outstanding. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
vinous
2010
Rating:
90
–90
The 2010 Climens has just been a bit variable bottle-to-bottle. This was a transitional Climens as biodynamics was being introduced. Again, I find this a little subdued at the moment, perhaps going through a sulky adolescent stage. The palate is well balanced with a menthol-tinged entry, fine depth and acidity, more expressive towards the finish with a touch of lemongrass on the aftertaste. C'mon...show me what you can do... Tasted at the Climens vertical at the château in April 2022.
vinous
2010
Rating:
90
–90
The 2010 Climens feels a little muted on the nose and lacks the vigor and complexity of the 2010 Coutet that happened to be tasted blind alongside. The palate is nicely balanced but it feels very muted at the moment and needs more tension on the finish. There is a sense of elegance here, but it needs more substance. Climens often goes through a subdued phase in its youth that can be a disadvantage in blind tasting - I am confident that it will open up in future years. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.
vinous
2010
Rating:
94
–94
The 2010 Climens is a little different to several previous encounters with dried honey, tangerine, melted candle wax and a touch of barley sugar, perhaps even more delineated than previous bottles. It almost shimmers with energy. The palate is medium-bodied with viscous honeyed fruit, very harmonious although you can tell that this is just a young pup. Give it another decade in bottle. Courtesy of a bottle proffered by Bill Blatch at Trinity restaurant in London.
robert_parker
2016
Rating:
96
–96
Pale lemon colored, the 2016 Climens has a super intense nose of lemon marmalade, candied orange peel, crystallized ginger and lime tart with touches of musk perfume and fungi. The palate is wonderfully intense and refreshing with loads of layers and an epic finish.
robert_parker
2016
Rating:
95
–97
The 2016 Climens was tasted from the 12 different lots that will go into the Grand Vin, with some selected from the Deuxième Vin, Cyprès de Climens. As usual, I had to assemble them in my mind and relate commonalities, though at a négoçiant a week later I re-tasted four preprepared micro-blends. I found much elegance this year. It is not a powerful Climens in the making and even with the higher alcohol lots that reached 14.9%, you could not feel any warmth and the wines maintained the tension. Some lots displayed saline finishes, perhaps a little more than usual. Perhaps the most important factor was just how "Barsac" they all tasted. Sometimes some lots can taste more Sauternes-like in style, but not this year.
robert_parker
2015
Rating:
95
–95
Pale lemon in color, the 2015 Climens is just a little closed, offering up lovely lemon curd, lime juice and apple tart notes with touches of acacia honey and paraffin. Fine, fresh and elegant in the mouth, with great purity and poise, it finishes with amazing persistence.
robert_parker
2015
Rating:
96
–98
The 2015 Climens was tasted from different lots (after naughty Bérénice Lurton had successfully duped me with her April Fool's joke by saying that she had done a final blend). The fruit was picked from 8 September until 4 October at 21 hl/ha. The residual sugar is 130 grams per liter this year. Aromas that spring from samples included acacia honey, orange blossom, grapefruit and a little frangipane, all beautifully defined and gaining intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening, a dash of spice on the entry, lively in the mouth with ginger and a dash of pepper tincturing the honeyed fruit, long and sustained as it fans out with vigor. This is a fabulous Climens from Bérénice Lurton and her team, and as usual, those with wise heads will opt to lay bottles down for 15 years to get the most from this special Barsac. It is destined to be a great Climens - and that's no April Fool's joke.
robert_parker
2015
Rating:
97
–97
The 2015 Climens always shows awkwardly after bottling, a Barsac that demands bottle age. Still, you can appreciate the intensity here, with touches of mint and jasmine complementing the honeyed fruit. The palate is just as it should be: very pure and refined, a perfect line of acidity, utterly harmonious with a viscous finish with hints of vanilla pod and orange pith lingering on the aftertaste. Bérénice Lurton has overseen a delectable Barsac that as usual will reward those with the nous to bottle long term.
robert_parker
2014
Rating:
94
–94
Pale lemon colored, the 2014 Climens reveals wonderful botrytis-inspired scents defining the nose with a core of ripe peaches, honeydew melon and lemon marmalade plus wafts of candle wax and orange blossom. The palate possesses an almost electric intensity with tons of layers and a lively backbone framing the generous fruit, finishing very long.
robert_parker
2014
Rating:
94
–96
The Château Climens was tasted from several lots that Bérénice Lurton and her team are preparing to blend together during its barrel maturation. Having conducted this practice over many years, I would point out that whereas in some years one has to conjecture to the full, in 2014 the lots were both smaller in number, less heterogeneous and paradoxically, more "complete". This made it easier to envisage the final wine. Here, you had to focus on the second trie where 80% of the crop was picked with widespread onset of botrytis. There are fleeting senses of dried honey, juniper berries and marigold, dried apricot on a couple of barrels. There is clearly good acidity here, most of the lots spicier than 2013. As usual, this Climens is bestowed a sense of volume and persistence in the mouth and you have the sense that this will be a more approachable Barsac compared to other vintages. Overall, Bérénice Lurton has a winning Climens on her hands, one that will in the top two or three sweet wines of the vintage.
robert_parker
2013
Rating:
95
–95
The 2013 Climens features a pale lemon-yellow color and expressive notes of candied citrus peel, honey-drizzled white peaches and brioche with wafts of marzipan and ginger. It has lovely harmony in the mouth, with a wonderful citrus peel intensity defined by great freshness, finishing with bags of depth and energy.
robert_parker
2013
Rating:
94
–96
Cropped at ten hectoliters per hectare, this represents the first certified organic Chateau Climens. As usual, I have to conjecture how the final blend will manifest itself, a task becoming easier now that I have tasted through individual lots for several years. Clearly, the first tries contain zesty citrus fruit with crisp acidity and strong botrytis character, the second tries lending the structure and the Barsac/Climens character. I noticed a "marine" influence on the final tries picked on October 21 and 23, although here there is a slight attenuation. Putting all this together, I foresee an assured, perhaps slightly lighter but tensile Climens, with the more heavily botrytized fruit delivered toward the end. Quality is certainly on par with a very good vintage, the most impressive lots destined to form major components of the final blend. This ought to be a classic Climens.
"We started the harvest on the 27th of September, which was not as late as we thought," Berenice Lurton told me. "The maturity was quite late due to the bad spring - or not even any spring at all - with poor flowering. During the summer, it could not catch up. The ripeness was quite late, but botrytis arrived quickly and we were prepared. We were incredibly lucky, because we finished the first picking under good conditions on the 3rd of October at 7.00pm, the night when a lot of rain fell at Climens. We stopped for eight days and then made a quick picking in a few plots, but there was not much to pick. The weather became fresh and humid, so botrytis was everywhere, but the problem was that it was not concentrated, so on Friday, the 18th of October, we inspected the vineyard and decided we could not pick. We were quite anxious, because rain was predicted. But exactly like 2012, we had a perfect weekend with a lot of wind on Saturday and a perfect Sunday that was enough to concentrate the berries on the first plots. We finished in a few days on Thursday at midday and then it started raining again in the afternoon. So the windows for us were amazingly small. There were sixteen lots in the beginning, and the first micro-blends were good so there are now eight lots. When we were blending, we could not really see what was from the beginning and the end of the harvest."
robert_parker
2013
Rating:
95
–95
The 2013 Climens has a very fragrant bouquet with bunches of white flowers, buttercup, citrus fruits, honey and just a faint hint of oyster shell, all very well defined. There is a cold stone influence here that tempers its exuberance. The palate is very well balanced, spicy in the mouth, beautifully balanced with ginger and nutmeg infusing the honeyed fruit. This is a feisty Barsac, animated and energetic, a little "untamed" in its youth and very long. It is a great Climens that is going to age for many years. Tasted April 2016.
robert_parker
2012
Rating:
91
–91
Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. The 2012 Château Climens is always horrendously difficult to taste in its infancy and under blind conditions it can fall short of expectations. That may well be the case here. It has a simple, slightly malic bouquet at first, almost Germanic in style, scents of yellow flowers emerging with time, coalescing and gaining more richness. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous entry. There appears to be more botrytis here and certainly more weight on the fresh finish that is tinged with barley sugar, betraying Barsac origins. I appreciate the power here, although the aftertaste feels a tad short. This is one of the very few Sauternes that deserve time in bottle.
robert_parker
2012
Rating:
91
–91
Pale lemon-gold colored, the 2012 Climens has a slightly evolved nose sporting honeyed nut and toast notes with a core of lemon pie, fresh hay and allspice. Big, rich and powerful in the mouth, with maturing citrus and stone fruit notions, it has a provocatively spicy finish.
robert_parker
2012
Rating:
93
–95
There was a common theme of spicy, honeyed fruit coming through on both the nose and the palate, one particular lot relatively high in alcohol that should provide the foundation for the more nuances pickings. In many ways, this is a quintessential Climens with subtle orange peel and mandarin notes allied with finely tuned acidity.
As usual, I tasted through several lots and micro-blends with Berenice Lurton and her team, to ascertain how the final blend will perform, paying particular attention to those that will form the heart of the final wine. For sure, this is going to be a Climens worth seeking out. Berenice is unequivocal that their conversion to biodynamics (to be certified in 2015) played a key role in combating bad rot in the vineyard. It was a late harvest for sure, commencing on October 15 but halted on October 19, when the rains returned. It was the north-easterly wind on Sunday, October 28 that saved their vintage – drying out the grapes and over the next three days, when they were able to conduct a blanket harvest as the crop was so even. There is certainly not a mote of grey rot and final yields were a respectable 10 hectoliters per hectare. Berenice was correct – her teams have made an excellent 2012 and I suspect that it will be the finest of the vintage.
robert_parker
2011
Rating:
93
–93
Pale lemon-gold in color, the 2011 Climens opens with stuck flint and earthy notions over a core of tropical fruit—pineapple and guava—plus wafts of fungi and fresh straw. The palate lends oodles of complex layers with plenty of botrytis-inspired complexity melding with the ripe tropical notes, finishing with great length. Tempting to drink now, it should reward cellaring over 20+ years.
robert_parker
2011
Rating:
94
–94
Tasted blind at the Sauternes 2011 horizontal tasting. The Château Climens 2011 has one of the most potent aromatics of the flight with expressive honey, fig, barley sugar and grilled almond nose that is reminiscent of Château Doisy-Védrines. The palate is very well balanced with fine acidity, layers of honey fruit tinged with white chocolate and quince. It fans out toward the unctuous finish that feels long, persistent and satisfying. Climens often takes a few years to shows its true class and this will be no different.
robert_parker
2011
Rating:
94
–94
The 2011 Climens repeated its performance from a few months ago. There is a tangible richness on the nose, touches of honeycomb and chalk infusing the honeyed fruit before those fig-like scents begin to emerge. The palate is beautifully balanced, unctuous in the mouth with a lovely salinity coming through on the long finish. It is way too young to strut its stuff at the moment, so afford it at least a decade in bottle. Tasted April 2016.
robert_parker
2011
Rating:
95
–97
Tasting through individual lots, I was struck by their purity and tautness, developing engaging floral aromas with aeration, with occasional notes of yellow plum and ginger. On the palate, once again there is a common theme of purity and crisp acidity, although they alternated between a lighter and a more mellifluous style. One or two significant lots demonstrated enticing spicy notes that define great Climens. There is certainly enormous potential here, one that beckons an intense, vivacious Barsac underpinned by freshness and focus.
The 2011 was picked over five tries in two phases, the first from September 8 to the 21st representing a whopping 82% of the harvest over two tries; the second from September 26 until the 28th comprising over three smaller tries. Although the weather played a critical factor, Berenice Lurton attributed the success of her wine to her limestone soils.
robert_parker
2010
Rating:
96
–96
Pale lemon-gold colored, the 2010 Climens reveals a seriously intense nose of mango pudding, warm pineapples and pink grapefruit with hints of exotic spices, toasted almonds and brioche plus a waft of honeycomb. Powerfully flavored and packed with layers of tropical fruits, spices and earthy notes, it finishes epically long and honeyed.
robert_parker
2010
Rating:
94
–94
Experience has told me that Chateau Climens 2010 never really gets into its stride during its first decade in bottle and the 2010 is included. It seems a little muffled at first, especially in the context of some very delineated aromatics for this Sauternes vintage, but it gains clarity with aeration. The palate is well-balanced with an unctuous entry. The acidity seems lower than its peers but this really benefits from time in the glass, becoming ever more pixelated and poised. While it pales against the 2009, this constitutes a follow-up worth seeking out rather than squirrelling away. Drink 2018-2035+.
robert_parker
2010
Rating:
94
–96
Berenice Lurton and her team managed to pick the crop just hours before rains fell on October 23. Tasting through every one of their lots in 2010, there was a theme of tautness, racy acidity and spice. Focusing upon two batches representing about 14% of the harvest, there was patently exquisite balance and a sense of concentrated but efficient power, counterbalanced by immense purity and effervescence. Their problem will be knowing exactly which lots to deselect!
robert_parker
2010
Rating:
93
–93
The 2010 Climens is a mercurial wine - Bérénice Lurton commenting that is keeps changing personality in recent months. Here, it has closed in a little, with tightly wound honeyed fruit, fresh pear and a touch of candle wax. The palate is viscous on the entry, extremely well balanced, tensile in the mouth, but you can tell that it is keeping 90% of its secrets to itself. If cuts away swiftly on the finish as if to say: that's your lot. In other words, this represents a long-term Climens that will need considerable cellaring. Tasted April 2016.
robert_parker
2010
Rating:
95
–95
Pale to medium lemon-gold colored, the 2010 Climens offers a lifted, floral nose of orange blossoms and jasmine over a core of lime cordial, grapefruit oil and dried apricots plus hints of lemon preserves and ginger nut. Very sweet, hedonic and fantastically seductive in the mouth, the concentration is beautifully offset by lovely freshness, finishing with fantastic length.
robert_parker
2009
Rating:
96
–98
Picked in just two tries, 90% picked in one trie, tasting through 13 separate lots, the core components of a great Climens appear to be in place. Paying particular attention to the lots that constitute a large percentage of the blend (usually around 15%) the common themes are ones of great purity, persistency and precision. The aromatics display pure honey, minerals, occasionally a faint scent of spearmint and white peach, most with spellbinding precision. On the palate, Berenice Lurton has some stupendous lots at her disposal, with ample botrytis, ethereal definition, one or two more powerful, quite spicy lots and others that are shorter and will undoubtedly lend the blend an acidic cut. It will be a joy to taste this after bottling.
robert_parker
2009
Rating:
97
–97
The 2009 Climens is certainly more expressive on the nose compared to the 2010 Climens with potent honeysuckle, fresh pear and orange blossom that gently unfurl from the glass. Compared to the 2009 Rieussec for example, this is powerful but not quite as flamboyant. The palate is just fantastic, so energetic and tensile with layers of minerally, honeyed fruit laced with spice, sea salt, a touch of licorice and quince. It will be a multi-dimensional Climens that has a very long future ahead, a killer Sauternes that is going to give a great deal of pleasure over many years. Tasted April 2016.
robert_parker
2009
Rating:
97
–97
The samples tasted in Southwold were not correct and therefore I requested a bottle to be included in this report that was tasted one week later. Suffice to say, it was completely different and much more representative. Here the 2009 displays a wonderful bouquet of honeysuckle, almond and a hint of creme caramel that is beautifully defined. The palate has a creamy entry with patently a good deal of oak that needs to be subsumed. The balance is just exquisite, the line of acidity perfectly pitched and moreover, there is that paradoxical mixture of weight and levity that makes Climens what it is. The finish blossoms with quince, almond and honey and lingers long in the mouth. This is surely destined to be a top tier Climens that will last the usual decades. Drink 2014-2050.
robert_parker
2008
Rating:
93
–93
Tasted single blind against its peers. This has a very well -defined nose of dried pineapple, quince and vanilla pod that unfolds seductively in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a mellifluous texture, although there remains some oak that needs to be subsumed into the wine. It displays fine definition towards the finish with impressive length. Always a little curmudgeonly in its youth, this Climens deserves a decade in bottle. Tasted January 2012.
robert_parker
2008
Rating:
93
–93
The 2008 Climens has a “clinical” bouquet with tangerine, grapefruit, pear and apricot that is very pure, but at the moment very tight. The palate is understated on the entry but builds nicely, with viscous honeyed fruit with marmalade, quince and spice. It clams up on the finish like Climens often does in its youth, but there is patently great potential and may merit a higher score in adulthood. Drink now-2040.
robert_parker
2008
Rating:
92
–95
Tasting through the individual lots with Berenice Lurton, what comes across are the components of a crisp, refreshing, minerally Climens that may not have as much botrytis as previous vintages, but will have a thrilling sense of tension and poise. It was the energy in several lots that enamoured, with subtle white peach and apple-blossom aromas, hints of grapefruit and honeysuckle, the later tries bearing semblances to great Alsace. Great potential: taut, poised and brimming with vim and vigor.
robert_parker
2007
Rating:
98
–98
Tasted single blind against its peers. Chateau Climens always tends to go into its shell after bottling, which is probably why I was not dishing out an even higher score to this still, spellbinding Barsac. The 2007 is endowed with a lovely bouquet: very pure with honey, a touch of orange-blossom and a touch of quince. The palate is very well-balanced with great purity and a dash of spice as well as a lovely viscous, botrytis-laden finish that possesses awesome weight and persistency. This is a slice of heaven in a glass, but it definitely needs time to reveal its true potential. Tasted January 2011.
robert_parker
2007
Rating:
99
–99
Tasted twice at UGC tastings, it was actually under blind conditions that the Climens 2007 re-confirmed its status as the best Sauternes of the vintage. It retains an ethereal bouquet of honey, white peach, apricot and orange-blossom with ethereal purity and joie de vivre. The palate is medium-bodied with exquisite balance and essence of mineralite. It balances on tiptoe with perfect acidity that effortlessly counterpoises those layers of rich honeyed fruit; the finish taut, vibrant and with a sense of place. This is outstanding in every way. Perfect? I would not bet against it deserving that loaded adjective one day in the future. Drink 2015-2050.
robert_parker
2007
Rating:
98
–100
Multiple tastings of barrels and two micro-blends with Berenice Lurton at the chateau and each one more breath-taking than the last! An intensely minerally nose with astounding delineation and poise with hints of wild honey, orange-blossom and a little almond. The palate displays brilliant balance, so much so that the 150-160gms/L residual is barely noticeable. A sublime viscous, honeyed, peach-tinged finish that leaves the palate tingling with glee. To quote my own words: "it encapsulates everything you love about Sauternes." Bravo Berenice. Drink 2010-2050+ Tasted April 2008.
robert_parker
2007
Rating:
98
–100
The final blend (although not blended in the cellars.) The nose has certainly closed down since last year, tightly coiled. However the palate is superb: brilliant definition and weight of fruit. Incredibly pure with notes of honey, fresh apricots, a touch of citrus lemon and passion fruit, wonderful tension and length on the finish. Perhaps the wine of the vintage? Awesome purity and length. The wine of the vintage although I think it will close down after bottling…you have been warned! Drink 2015-2050. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
2006
Rating:
95
–95
Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. The Climens ’06 is adorned with a rich nose with tangerine, apricot and barley sugar, with moderate concentration and perhaps not the delineation of the other Sauternes 06s. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded entry, very peachy with touches of Clementine and tangerine, forward, generous but lacking the profundity one would expect. However, returning to my sample after thirty minutes, this is rapidly gaining more finesse, beautiful balance and a mellifluous texture leading to a very precise finish. Handle with care or cellar for 20+ years. Tasted January 2010.
robert_parker
2006
Rating:
94
–94
Proprietor Berenice Lurton continues to turn out one of the utterly profound wines from the Barsac Sauternes region. The 2006 is not up there with their perfect 2001, but it is a beautiful wine and stands out as one of the top wines of 2006. Medium gold, with a slightly more advanced color than I am used to seeing in a young Climens, the wine displays waxy honeyed pineapple and delicate marmalade and citrus notes with a restrained use of new oak. The wine cuts a full-bodied swath across the palate with terrific acidity, freshness, and moderate sweetness. This is a beauty, but perhaps on a much faster evolutionary track than some of their greatest vintages.
robert_parker
2006
Rating:
96
–96
Tasted at Chateau Climens. A slightly lighter colour than the 2007. The nose has a tightly-coiled bouquet of tinned apricot and orange-blossom, with a hint of tangerine in the background. The palate has a rounded, sensuous entry, lovely texture and so cohesive. Perfectly judged acidity, tangerine and apricots in the background coming forth with aeration, then just a faint hint of ginger towards the finish. A great Barsac ’06. Gorgeous vanilla tinged aftertaste. Drink now-2036+ Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
2005
Rating:
97
–97
Tasted blind at the 10-Year On Tasting in Sauternes. The 2005 Château Climens just soars from the glass with layers of clear honey, marmalade, nectarine and minerals all beautifully carved. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh, vibrant honeyed fruit that builds and builds in the mouth in tandem with a killer line of acidity. Even though it is a convincing, great Climens, you also have the impression that it is only just beginning to show what it is capable of. Bérénice Lurton and her team excelled in this vintage and it comes strongly recommended.
robert_parker
2005
Rating:
96
–96
Simply one of the standout wines of this horizontal. An understated nose, quite minerally with touches of white peach and apricot all with wonderful definition. The palate displays exquisite balance, a sense of controlled power the Climens carries off so well. A touch of clear honey, acacia, peach, a little quince. Very long and supremely well focused. Another year, another great Climens. Tasted April 2007.
robert_parker
2005
Rating:
94
–94
The 2005 Climens is drinking nicely, wafting from the glass with aromas of orange oil, dried apricot and marmalade mingled with hints of honeycomb and petrol. Full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with an enveloping core of fruit, ripe acids and a seamless, textural profile, it's rich and dramatic, missing just a little cut to rank as profound—even if it nonetheless ranks as one of the finest sweet wines of the vintage in Bordeaux.
robert_parker
2005
Rating:
92
–92
Tasted at the Bordeaux Index’s Chateau Climens dinner. Deeper in colour than the 2004, this ’05 Climens has a forward, expressive botrytis-rich nose with honey, orange-blossom, passion fruit and walnut. Very good definition. The palate has a mellifluous entry counterpoised with good acidity, real density and weight here, quite assertive towards the dried apricot and quince finish. This is a Climens that wants to make an impression, although here the ’04 is showing more class. I have had better examples of this ’05. Tasted November 2009.
robert_parker
2005
Rating:
97
–97
No tasting note given.
robert_parker
2005
Rating:
95
–95
Tasted single blind at Southwold and performing even more strongly. A slightly petrolly nose here, good definition, grapefruit, touch of chalk dust and buttercups. Nice lift here. The palate is much better, nice vibrant honeyed fruit, well balanced with touches of marmalade and quince inflecting the honeyed, viscous finish. Good level of botrytis and very harmonious. Lovely. Drink 2012-2030. Tasted January 2009.
robert_parker
2005
Rating:
94
–94
Tasted at Chateau Climens. Compared to the 2006 there is not as much fruit intensity on the nose, more towards the tangerine and grapefruit aromas rather than honeyed. Good definition, but it does need more vigour. The palate is better, very harmonious, subtle notes of apricot, peach and a touch of lemon curd. Very elegant on the finish. Hopefully the bouquet will open with time, although I much prefer the aromas emanating from the ‘06. Drink 2011-2030. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
2004
Rating:
93
–93
The 2004 Climens is beginning to open up nicely – no surprise given that this Barsac always needs a decade in bottle. The nose has a delicacy that is uncommon for a youthful Climens, unfurling with subtle scents of caramelized butter, dried honey, mint and lemon thyme, but immediately identifiable as Climens. The palate is viscous on the entry, with Climens’ trademark spiciness lurking under the surface. This is very harmonious and focused – probably just beginning to enter its drinking plateau. I suspect that it will never reach the heights of the 2001 or 2009, but is a very commendable “second tier” Climens. Drink now-2035. Tasted February 2014.
robert_parker
2003
Rating:
90
–90
Ex-chateau bottle tasted blind in Sauternes. The Climens ’03 has always been a capricious Barsac: brilliant out of barrel but found wanting under vertical conditions. Here, amidst a blind horizontal, it fell somewhere between the two! This bottle offers a sweet ripe bouquet of candied orange peel, dried honey and fig that is missing a little delineation (as discerned on previous bottles.) The palate is ripe and rounded on the entry with a touch of spice that lends it a pleasant edginess. Mango and pineapple form the middle whilst the finish is composed and focused with commendable precision and citric acidity. To repeat comments I have made before, this is a decent Climens, but Berenice Lurton has made far superior wines in recent years. Tasted April 2013.
robert_parker
2003
Rating:
96
–98
Having tasted two separate lots in 2004, finally a chance to taste the end product. This is a superb Climens with a vibrant honeyed, passion fruit nose with a scent of clotted cream (I noted creme fraiche in one of the lots last time.) Very good level of botrytised fruit with beautiful definition and poise. Finishing with a flourish of marmalade tinged fruit. Very long. A sumptuous Climens. Tasted October 2005.
robert_parker
2003
Rating:
97
–97
No tasting note was given.
robert_parker
2003
Rating:
95
–98
Space limitations preclude including tasting notes. 2003 is a rich, sweet vintage of powerful, full-bodied wines that possess huge levels of glycerin, alcohol, and residual sugar.
robert_parker
2003
Rating:
86
–86
Tasted at Chateau Climens. To be honest, this Climens has never won me over and in this marathon vertical its lacks of freshness and precision is tangible, not because of any winemaking fault, but because of the incessant heat of the growing season. It is just smudged on the nose with faint honeyed aromas. The palate is more pleasurable with viscous layers of honeyed tinged with Clementine and apricot. The finish is attractive although it does lack a little tension, a little Alsace-like in personality. Not a bad 2003 Barsac by a long way, but there are better Climens made during this period. Drink now-2020. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
2002
Rating:
92
–94
I suspect most readers will find it hard to get excited about the 2002 vintage for the sweet wines of Barsac and Sauternes after what appears to be a prodigious 2001. However, 2002 is a very fine year for this region, possibly superior to any of the vintages between 2000 and 1991. The wines possess plenty of botrytis, but neither the impressive definition nor supreme elegance of the 2001s. This is a sweet, full-bodied, fat, concentrated, intense effort that was showing well in September, 2003.
robert_parker
2002
Rating:
90
–92
A delicate nose of pineapple, citrus fruits and lemon curd. Very good definition. The palate is extrovert and spicy with good acidity. Racy, lively and zesty. Lanolin, touch of clear honey, very vibrant on the untamed finish. Needs time, but this is a very fine Climens. Tasted July 2006.
robert_parker
2002
Rating:
91
–91
Tasted blind at Farr’s Sauternes 2002 horizontal. The nose is rather closed on this Climens, which I think is going through an adolescent dumb period. Faint hints of candle wax and a hint of petrol, slight Germanic in style. The palate is medium-bodied, slightly viscous on the entry, building to a dried apricot, biscuit middle with good acidity and balance, but a linearity that keeps its feet on the ground. Touch of spice and ginger on the finish, this Sauternes is somehow more enjoyable in retrospect, as you look back upon it, than when actually imbibing it! Drink 2013-2030. Tasted October 2009.
robert_parker
2002
Rating:
92
–92
Tasted at Chateau Climens. Slightly deeper in colour than the ’03, this has an intriguing petrolly nose with hints of hawthorn, dried apricot, lemon curd and melted wax. Good definition. The palate is medium-bodied with good acidity, perhaps a relatively conservative Climens, perhaps a Climens that has temporarily closed down. There is great tension here, superbly judged acidity and focus, a really symmetrical on the finish with dried apricots and a touch of ginger. I think this has closed down for a few years and should open. Perhaps it could do with more length? Very fine. Drink 2014-2035. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
2001
Rating:
99
–99
The Climens 2001 has always possessed a deliriously complex and intense bouquet that is beautifully defined: dried quince and marmalade, honeycomb and antique furniture. There is an inchoate, resinous element that will surely surface over the next decade or so. This is a bouquet that demands attention and in this blind tasting, sticks out from the crowd, a sui generis. Since I last tasted it, the palate has opened up and is beginning to pump on all cylinders. It is wonderfully balanced with fabulous intensity and a long, citrus-tinged finish that is utterly beguiling. As Kate Bush once sang: "Wow".
robert_parker
2001
Rating:
96
–99
Tasted a few months prior to bottling, the 2001 appears to be one of the most remarkable Climens (and there have been many of those over the last 30 years) yet produced. The harvest started October 1, with tremendous levels of botrytis, and yields were an astonishingly low six hectoliters per hectare. As usual, the 2001 (100% Semillon) was aged for 18 months in oak casks. Its light greenish gold color is followed by a flawless bouquet of honeyed pineapples, citrus, lanolin, and floral scents. The finish lasts for well over a minute. Good acidity and tremendous extract should result in one of the most prodigious sweet wines in modern-day Bordeaux. Monumental! Anticipated maturity: 2010-2045.
robert_parker
2001
Rating:
95
–95
This has a light well defined bouquet with touches of white peach, white flowers and just a touch of lemon curd. Good delineation. The palate is very zesty on the entry with orange peel and bitter lemon, expanding nicely with a sharp, poised, racy finish with great penetration. Reminds me of Coutet (but it turned out to be Climens.) Tasted March 2011.
robert_parker
2001
Rating:
100
–100
A prodigious offering, the 2001 Climens’ light medium bold color with a greenish hue is followed by ethereal aromas of tropical fruits (primarily pineapple), honeysuckle, and flowers. It is a medium-bodied wine of monumental richness, extraordinary precision/delineation, great purity, and moderate sweetness. The finish seemingly lasts forever. This monumental effort is the stuff of legends. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040+.
robert_parker
2001
Rating:
94
–96
An intriguing, complex nose of citrus fruits, mango and chalk dust. The palate is good botrytis levels, quite floral with notes of custard creams, lemon and honey. Well-integrated - a rich, opulent wine in a similar style to Doisy-Vedrines. Superb. Then a fine half-bottle in February 2005. Tasted blind: an understated nose that reminded me of a Gewurztraminer VT. Peach, mango, rosewater and apricot. The palate has wonderful acidity and balance: unlike the nose quintessential Barsac. Apricot, pear and almond. It does not have the glycerin nor the botrytis that I was expecting. Peardrops on the finish. A lovely wine, very succinct. Drink in 10 to 15 years time.
robert_parker
2001
Rating:
96
–96
Tasted at the Chateau Climens vertical in Zurich. A very pale silvery/golden hue. The nose is more generous and open than the bottle poured at the chateau last April. Very opulent, honeyed with touches of almond, icing sugar, coconut, glycerine, lime cordial and a touch of tinned pineapple. The palate is full-bodied, ripe and opulent, slightly lower in acidity than I recall, mellifluous with again, that leitmotif of pineapple towards the languid finish. Lovely, but it deserves cellaring for another 10+ years. Tasted November 2009.
robert_parker
2001
Rating:
97
–97
Tasted at Chateau Climens. Like the 2002, this 2001 seems to have closed down on the nose and so allowing for 40 minutes aeration, it reluctantly reveals aromas of pineapple, Seville orange, apricot blossom and a touch of candle wax. Good definition but tightly-coiled. The palate is tight but beautifully delineated with a vibrant sense of minerality that should develop in the future. Delicate touches of mandarin and apricot on the finish, slightly chalky tannins. Everything lies in the future for this wine. Drink 2012-2035+. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
2000
Rating:
89
–89
Tasted at Chateau Climens. Cropped at less than 4hl/ha, this has a light, rather fruitcake nose, lacks a little definition and freshness. The palate is medium-bodied, a little dryness on the entry, some spicy, ginger, dried apricot notes in the middle with a rather conservative finish. This millennial Climens seems to have shut up shop at the moment, but there is certainly an elegant, very pure Barsac that should show itself in several years time. Drink now-2015. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1998
Rating:
91
–95
(No tasting note given)
robert_parker
1998
Rating:
88
–90
First tasted May 2000: an expansive expressive nose: pineapple and apricots. Fine acidity with dense powerful exotic fruits. Almost a leafy quality. Intense concentrated finish with ample botrytis. Excellent. Tasted again May 2004 - has not quite achieved its initial promise but still a very fine Climens. A rich, fruit-driven nose with tangerines and honey. Good levels of botrytis, opulent with marmalade notes developing. A bit short on the finish. Very fine.
robert_parker
1998
Rating:
90
–90
Tasted at Chateau Climens. Although this has a similar hue to the ’99, the nose blossoms in the glass, with clear honey, tangerine and a touch of barley sugar. Very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied, slightly waxy on the entry with touches of apricot, barley sugar and spice. The finish just lacks a little weight and length, quite linear compared to others. A little short. The bouquet is better than the nose in this year. Drink now-2020. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1997
Rating:
89
–89
Tasted at Roberson’s Sauternes Tasting. A little darker in colour, the Climens ’97 has marmalade, molasses, apricot, Manuka honey and yellow plum on the nose with just a hint of green fruit lending it freshness. The palate has good weight and a viscous texture: marmalade, quince, spice, refined but quite linear towards the finish and does not really “explode” like other vintages. It remains a strangely “unmoving” Climens given the vintage. Tasted May 2011.
robert_parker
1997
Rating:
90
–94
Consistently one of the most profound wines of Barsac/Sauternes, this wine, made from 100% Semillon, is one of the most ravishing examples of just how much elegance can be built into a powerful race horse style of wine. The classic 1997 Climens boasts gorgeously pure pineapple, citrus, butter, mineral, and floral scents in its soaring aromatics. While it is not a blockbuster, it is medium to full-bodied, with extraordinary precision, elegance, and purity. This slightly sweet Climens should drink well young, but evolve nicely for 15-30 years. It is unquestionably a high-class Barsac. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2025.
robert_parker
1997
Rating:
82
–84
Tasted twice now - this wine still disappoints. The nose is very feeble and the palate just does not seem to have the class of its peers. Tasted several times with consistent notes. The last encounter at a vertical in June 2004. A light lemony hue. The nose has put on some weight: quite floral with notes of coconut and crushed almond. Moderate botrytis. But the palate still leaves a lot to be desired. Medium-bodied, minerally, quite aromatic and spicy but it severely lacks harmony and cohesion. Distinctly sharp, sour, blunt finish. Disappointing for Climens.
robert_parker
1997
Rating:
89
–89
Tasted at Chateau Climens. This has a rather mushroomy nose with touches of clove, apricot and Manuka honey. Moderate definition and vigour. The palate is very odd: reductive, the fruit very subdued and the finish lacking weight and depth. Where has the freshness gone? This is a perplexing showing from a good vintage although Berenice said that it was in a dumb stage. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1996
Rating:
92
–94
A rather average note in April 1998 but it improved leaps and bounds by June 2004. A slightly darker hue to the 1997. The nose is more reticent, needs coaxing from the glass but it is worth it: minerally, hazelnuts with a touch of apricot. The palate displays far more botrytis than the 1997 with lavish honey and vanillin. Good acidity. A sumptuous, pretty wine that belies its power. Peachy finish. Will go on and on.
robert_parker
1996
Rating:
92
–92
Tasted at Chateau Climens. The 1996 has a better nose than the 1997 at this stage. Barley sugar, mandarin, beeswax and a little orange blossom. The palate is medium-bodied with very good structure, clean entry with citrus fruits, orange-blossom and a touch of tangerine. Vibrant on the entry with very good length – this is showing better than the 1997. Very fine. Drink now-2025+ Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1995
Rating:
95
–95
Tasted at Chateau Climens. The 1995 Climens has a butterscotch, dried pineapple, kumquat and wax-resin bouquet that is well defined and now fully open for business. The palate is spicy on the entry, chamomile, cinnamon and brown spices, just a touch of dryness on the finish. But there is great depth here with a long barley sugar and spice finish. This is a fabulous Château Climens that is just beginning to enter its stride. Drink now-2035+ Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1995
Rating:
95
–95
Tasted at Chateau Climens. The 1995 Climens has a wonderful lifted nose with honey, orange-blossom, apricot and white peach. Superb definition. The palate is medium-bodied with superb balance and vigour: vibrant peach and apricot fruit, good acidity and weight towards the finish with hints of tangerine, grapefruit and spice. Great length, quite taut and offering more in the future. Superb. Drink now-2035+ Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1990
Rating:
92
–92
The 1990 may turn out to be better than the 1989, but I doubt it will rival the 1986 or 1988. It is a more powerful example of Climens than those vintages. Climens is one 1990 that possesses enough crisp acidity to give focus to the super-rich, honeyed, citrusy, tropical fruit, and coconut-like flavors. It is all finesse, but the multidimensional personality is unmistakable. The 1990 is another superlative wine from what is probably my favorite estate of the region. Drink it over the next 20-25 years. Last tasted, 1/93.
robert_parker
1990
Rating:
96
–98
I absolutely adore this 1990 - certainly one of the best I tasted. A moderately deep golden hue. The nose has spellbinding definition and finesse. Vanilla, orange-blossom and acacia. A little marmalade just creeping in. The palate does not disappoint. An incredibly unctuous texture with citrus lemon, apricot, creme brulee. So rich and ravishing! Honeyed finish and an impressive length. Everything you could wish for in a sweet wine. Tasted June 2004.
robert_parker
1990
Rating:
94
–94
Tasted at the Bordeaux Index’s Chateau Climens dinner. A deeper hue than the ’89, this ’90 Climens has a powerful bouquet with barley sugar, tangerine, orange zest and honeycomb, the palate viscous on the entry, fat and full of glycerine, with tangy marmalade, honey, dried apricot and a touch of lemongrass right on the finish. This is a big-boned Climens, heady and hedonistic, although perhaps both the ’88 and ’90 and beginning to show more refinement? Like the ’89, the bottle tasted at the chateau in April showed better. Tasted November 2009.
robert_parker
1990
Rating:
91
–93
I am encouraged that this wine may turn out to be better than the 1989, but I doubt it will rival the 1986 or 1988. It is a more powerful example of Climens than those vintages. Climens is one 1990 that possesses crisp acidity to give focus to the super-rich, honeyed, citrusy, tropical fruit, and coconut-like flavors. In the mouth, it is all finesse, but the multi-dimensional personality is unmistakable. The 1990 is another superlative wine from what is probably my favorite estate of the region. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.
robert_parker
1990
Rating:
95
–95
The 1990 continues to develop exceptionally well (better than I thought), and now looks to be a worthy rival of the dazzling 1988. The superb aromatics (pineapple, acacia, vanilla, and honey) are followed by a rich, full-bodied, atypically powerful Climens that possesses adequate acidity, high alcohol, and even higher levels of extract and fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2030. Last tasted 11/94
robert_parker
1990
Rating:
96
–96
Tasted at Chateau Climens. A limpid golden hue. The nose is just glorious with plumes of quince, fruit cake, honey, mango and petrol soaring from the glass with superb definition. The palate is one big mouthful of botrytis-rich Barsac: mango, honey, spice, quince and a hint of kerosene. What sets it apart is the balance and the acidity cutting a swathe through all the richness on the unctuous finish. Enormous length. A stunning Climens. Drink now-2040. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1989
Rating:
90
–90
For whatever reason, the 1989 is merely outstanding rather than dazzling. While it lacks the complexity of the 1988, it is a plump, muscular, rich, intense, full-bodied, sweeter wine than usual. For a 1989, it even possesses good acidity. If more complexity and grip develop, my rating will look stingy. Anticipated maturity: 1995-2010. Last tasted, 1/93.
robert_parker
1989
Rating:
95
–95
A lovely nose of honey, kerosene, marmalade and orange peel although moderate botrytis. The palate is very well balanced, superb acidity, quite Germanic in style with great poise and focus on the finish. Great breeding but it is still backward and reticent. Needs time. Tasted September 2007.
robert_parker
1989
Rating:
94
–96
For me, one of the most intriguing wines of the Climens Vertical, it just seemed to have a different character to the other wines. The nose is far more broody and sullen. Rich honey, lemon curd and toffee on the nose. Lacks the joie-de-vivre of the 90. The palate is very concentrated with ripe apricot and orange. It seems to have less botrytis than the 90. I have a feeling that this will explode in a few years time. For now, it is sitting and waiting. Tasted June 2004.
robert_parker
1989
Rating:
94
–94
Tasted at the Bordeaux Index’s Chateau Climens dinner. A little lighter in colour than the ’90, this ’89 Climens retains its glorious barley sugar, honeysuckle and peach-tinged nose with touches of ginger evolving with aeration. The palate is harmonious, supple and very pure with acacia honey, quince, apricot and noticeably less residual sugar on the finish than the aforementioned ’90. Superb, but the chateau bottle in April was better. Tasted November 2009.
robert_parker
1989
Rating:
90
–90
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_parker
1989
Rating:
90
–90
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.
robert_parker
1989
Rating:
97
–97
Tasted at Chateau Climens. This has a slightly deeper hue than the 1990. The nose is even more defined than the 1990 with quince, barley sugar, dried apricot and a touch of Clementine. The palate is medium-bodied, a great sense of tension and vibrancy, taut, focused with a compelling citrus/white peach, viscous finish that leaves the tongue revivified and ready for another drop. This is unequivocally a superlative Climens that on this occasions just pips the stunning 1990. Classic – immortal! Drink now-2040+ Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1988
Rating:
96
–96
Climens made such a spectacular 1986 it is hard to believe the 1988 may ultimately be superior. I am not sure it will, but, nevertheless, they certainly turned in another superstar performance in 1988. What makes Climens so stunning is its penetrating acidity, combined with the fabulous richness and complexity this estate seems to routinely obtain. The 1988 has layer upon layer of honeyed pineapple and orange-scented and flavored fruit, vibrant acidity, high levels of botrytis, and a fabulously long yet well-focused finish. It is a great wine, but don't bet the farm that it will turn out to be better than their profound 1986. Anticipated maturity: 1998-2015. Last tasted, 6/93.
robert_parker
1988
Rating:
92
–94
Robert Parker really likes this wine though for me it was surpassed by the 1989 and 1990. A similar colour to those vintages. The nose is quite delicate - a little more herbaceous though with typical honeyed tones. The palate is much better: honey, coconut and hazelnut. The botrytis is quite pronounced giving it a rounded, rich finish. A more linear wine, but still well balanced though lacks the weight to ranking alongside the greatest Climens I have tasted. Tasted June 2004.
robert_parker
1988
Rating:
95
–95
Tasted at the Bordeaux Index’s Chateau Climens dinner. There is a sense of natural refinement to the ’88 Climens with a fragrant bouquet of beeswax, honeysuckle and a hint of tinned pineapple. So much freshness and vitality, although it will be fascinating to see how it evolves further. The palate is wonderfully poised, pure and precise; more citrus than previous bottles with a good level of botrytis, building nicely towards the focused mellifluous, peachy finish that suggests this Climens has a long future ahead. Tasted November 2009.
robert_parker
1988
Rating:
96
–96
The 1988 reveals layer upon layer of honeyed pineapple-and orange-scented and -flavored fruit, vibrant acidity, high levels of botrytis, and a fabulously long, yet well-focused finish. It is a great wine. Anticipated maturity: now-2015. Last tasted 11/94
robert_parker
1988
Rating:
96
–96
The 1988 reveals layer upon layer of honeyed pineapple-and orange-scented and -flavored fruit, vibrant acidity, high levels of botrytis, and a fabulously long, yet well-focused finish. It is a great wine. Anticipated maturity: 1998-2015.
robert_parker
1988
Rating:
94
–94
Tasted at Chateau Climens. According to Berenice Lurton, the Climens ’88 refused to open for years. Finally it is emerging from its shell with notes of honey, lavender, apricot and marmalade on the nose. Good definition. The palate is superb: a little more weight and structure than the 1989 although not the same sense of tension and it could do with a little more fatness on the finish. But it has great complexity with spice, marmalade, quince and lime leaf all the way to the finish. Moderate length. Very fine, but needs to be partnered with cuisine. Drink now-2030. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1986
Rating:
96
–96
A totally compelling Climens and to my mind, every bit as good as the 1988, the 1986 is probably the best Climens made since their spectacular 1971. It is still light gold in color, with an expansive bouquet of new oak, oranges, pineapples, and other tropical fruits. In the mouth, the great richness seems all the more impressive because of the wine's remarkable clarity and definition. There is as much botrytis in the 1986 as in the 1988. Despite the intensity and extract levels, this sweet wine comes across as crisp and relatively light. The 1986 is a stunning example of Climens at its very best. Anticipated maturity: 1994-2010. Last tasted, 6/93.
robert_parker
1986
Rating:
88
–90
First tasted in June 2004. After the triumphant 1988, 89 and 90 this was a bit of a disappointment. A relatively light colour for a 1986. The nose is a little mean, with note of lemon and passion fruit. Does not have as much vitality as expected. The palate is balanced, minerally with a respectable level of botrytis. Notes of orange-zest and apricot mixed with coconut on the finish. Moderate length, slightly bitter on the finish. Good but not great. Perversely a better bottle that had been opened for two days. This is much better than the bottle sampled a couple of years ago. A languid kind of nose that creeps up on you: honey, lemongrass, white peach and a touch of coconut. Hazelnut develops after about ten minutes. Very cohesive on the full-bodied palate. Very good weight and lots of botrytis. Finishes with notes of grapefruit, pear and clear honey. Very fine indeed. I need a representative bottle of this.
robert_parker
1986
Rating:
96
–96
A totally compelling Climens and every bit as good as the 1988. It is probably the best Climens made since their spectacular 1971. Still light gold in color, it has an expansive bouquet of new oak, oranges, pineapples, and other tropical fruits. In the mouth, there is great richness that seems all the more impressive because of the wine's remarkable clarity and definition. There is as much botrytis in the 1986 as in the 1988. Despite the intensity and extract levels, this sweet wine comes across as crisp and relatively light. The 1986 is a stunning example of Climens at its very best. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted, 1/91.
robert_parker
1986
Rating:
97
–97
Tasted at Chateau Climens. A lucid golden colour. This has a more “broody” nose that demands some coaxing from the glass. Seville orange, marmalade, a touch of quince and lanolin. The palate is stunning: immense power, stunning focus and balance, superb tautness and length, really fanning out into a spectrum of flavours towards the finish with notes of Clementine, apricot and a hint of ginger. Wonderful length and poise – one of the greatest Climens of the decade. Drink now-2040+. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1985
Rating:
87
–87
The 1985 Climens has a rather broody nose. Tree sap, dried honey, mandarin and toffee apple can be discerned on a nose that is well defined but missing the tension of the 1995. (Yes, a difficult act to follow.) The palate is a little static compared to other vintages with touches of crème brulee, dried honey and spice on the finish with touches of blood orange on the aftertaste. It is a little one-dimensional compared to other releases, but considering the vintage this is not a bad Sauternes.
robert_parker
1985
Rating:
85
–85
The problem with virtually all the wines from the 1985 vintage in the Sauternes/Barsac region is that there was very little botrytis. Nevertheless, Climens has made an attractive, fruity, floral, honey-styled wine without a great deal of complexity. It does offer rich, forward, tasty flavors in a medium to full-bodied format. Anticipated maturity: Now-2003. Last tasted, 6/93.
robert_parker
1985
Rating:
85
–85
The problem with virtually all the wines from the 1985 vintage in the Barsac/Sauternes region is that there was very little botrytis. Nevertheless, Climens has made an attractive, fruity, floral, honey-styled wine without a great deal of complexity. It does offer rich, forward, tasty flavors in a medium- to full-bodied format. Anticipated maturity: Now-2003. Last tasted, 11/90.
robert_parker
1985
Rating:
88
–88
Tasted at Chateau Climens. This is a little one-dimensional on the nose with clear honey, a touch of undergrowth, a little “spirit” perhaps. The palate is actually much better than the nose suggests with honey, quince and a touch of mandarin. Good weight considering the vintage. Fine. Drink now-2016. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1983
Rating:
93
–95
First tasted in October 2003 at Tom Cannavan's SuperBOWL. A pale golden colour. The palate has moderate levels of botrytis with notes of lemon and quince. The palate is quite delectable with good acidity, a lovely nervosity and elegant core of apricot fruit. Very well defined and classy - I think this could even give the d'Yquem a run for its money. A lovely wine that has a few years to age yet. Tasted again at the Climens vertical in June-04. The nose is far more involving than the 86. Needs some coaxing but eventually, apricot, acacia and citrus fruits come forth. The palate is rich, mouth-filling with fat globs of botrytis. Good acidity with notes of apricot, candied fruits, orange peel and caramel. An intoxicating, decadent Climens. Superb.
robert_parker
1983
Rating:
94
–94
Tasted at Chateau Climens. A lucid golden colour. The nose is a little tight at first and demands some coaxing form the glass. It does not quite have the same clarity as the sublime ’86: mango, quince, hot buttered toast and a touch of lanolin. Complex, but more introverted than expected. The palate is powerful and deep with joyful citrus fruits on the entry, Seville orange, apricot and mango with a chalky texture on the finish. An intriguing Climens – great length with a touch of marmalade on the aftertaste. Drink now-2035+. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1982
Rating:
84
–84
Tasted at Chateau Climens. A much lighter colour than the ’83. The nose is rather simple with mango, frangipane and candle wax – a little smudged after all these years and certainly lacking a little vigour. The palate is medium-bodied, like the 1985 a little better than the nose suggests although it is not as good as that wine. Spice and ginger on the entry, dried apricot and dried mango towards the short, rather lean finish. Drink now-2014. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1980
Rating:
77
–77
Tasted at Chateau Climens. The ’80 Climens has a rather strange, decayed nose – very mushroom-y at first, mint and wet wool. A bit like a Chenin Blanc. A light palate, like the nose there is something redolent of the wet wool character of a mature Chenin Blanc. Fades on the finish. A little short. Of curiosity value only. Past its best. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1979
Rating:
89
–89
Tasted at Chateau Climens. A lucid golden colour – very clear. The nose is rather introverted: touches of marmalade, kerosene, dried apricot and a hint of nougat. Good definition, if not vigour. The palate is lovely: marmalade, dried apricots, a little quince and a relatively lean finish. But it has remained fresh and focused with a lingering, TBA-like finish. Fine. Drink now-2012. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1978
Rating:
85
–87
A moderate gold colour, more youthful than its 26 years would suggest. Very fresh but simple nose with notes of orange zest, quince and grapefruit. The palate has low levels of botrytis but fine concentration, quite earthy with a spicy, honeyed finish. The problem is that the mid-palate seems a little hollow compared to say the 1975 or 1983. Nice nutty finish though. Drink Now. Tasted May 2004.
robert_parker
1978
Rating:
86
–86
The 1978 Climens is slightly more concentrated than the 1979, but like the 1979, it lacks the extra dimension that botrytis gives these wines. Because of the weather conditions, little botrytis formed in this vintage. The 1978 is a plump wine, with a fat, fruity concentration, moderate sweetness, full body, and a top-class bouquet of grilled nuts, flowers, and candied apples. This is an elegant wine. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 2/85.
robert_parker
1978
Rating:
90
–90
Tasted at Chateau Climens. This has a lucid, clear golden colour. The nose is takes some coaxing from the glass, orange zest, mandarin, barley sugar and an almost “chocolaty” scent (I know that sounds strange!) Just a hint of wet wool developing. The palate is medium-bodied, spicy on the entry, vibrant and tense on the palate with very fine balance and freshness considering the vintage. Quince, Clementine and dried apricot leading to a conservative, linear finish. But good length. Excellent. Drink now-2018. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1977
Rating:
80
–80
Climens produced a very respectable wine from this poor vintage. Light golden with a green tint, the wine lacks richness and depth, but offers surprisingly crisp, fresh tropical fruit flavors. good elegance, and a style not unlike a good dry Graves. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 3/84.
robert_parker
1977
Rating:
82
–82
Tasted at Chateau Climens. The ’77 Climens has a clear golden colour. Although the nose is lacking vigour, it is still clean with light Satsuma, apricot-blossom and marshmallow aromas. The palate has admirable fruit intensity on the entry with sharp mandarin and citrus fruits, the fades towards the Germanic finish, but I would be damned if there is not a better ’77 made in Bordeaux in this year. Drink now. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1976
Rating:
88
–90
An interesting wine as Michael Broadbent states there was not botrytis at Climens this year. Its absence is evident on the nose. A strange aroma of glue at first, then becoming quite honeyed like a mature Puligny. The palate is quite rich with good acidity. There does seem to be a smidgen of botrytis. Very linear but balanced and quite stylish in a way. Sharp on the finish. Good for a 76 but Drink Now. Tasted again from a bottle that had been opened for 48-hours. Distinctive green tinge in the glass. A much more herbaceous nose than younger wines. Walnuts, burnt sugar, wet straw. The palate is getting rather scrawny,: quite linear with a "pointed" nutty finish. Drink now. Tasted June 2004.
robert_parker
1976
Rating:
92
–92
Tasted at the Bordeaux Index’s Chateau Climens dinner, this is the best bottle of ’76 I have encountered. A very clear, lucid amber hue. The nose is just beautiful, perhaps more perfumed and floral than previous bottles with almond, apricot, white peach, passion fruit, a hint of lime leaf and quince. The palate is also more delicate than previous bottles, vibrant acidity on the entry, quite edgy, a viscous heart with a dainty, dried peach finish. Beautiful. Tasted November 2009.
robert_parker
1976
Rating:
87
–87
Quite fat and advanced in evolution for Climens, the 1976 is drinking gorgeously now. Charmingly fruity, with an expansive bouquet of ripe fruit, fresh honey, a vanillin oakiness, and some subtle herbal notes, this medium-bodied wine has average acidity, and a plump, soft texture. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 3/88.
robert_parker
1976
Rating:
90
–90
Tasted at Chateau Climens. A deeper golden/amber colour like many 1976 Barsacs and similarly the bouquet seems to have faded in recent years, with touches of marmalade, wet wool and barley sugar. The palate is better than the nose with great vigour on the entry with a citrus attack, then barley sugar, mandarin, grapefruit and tangerine following through. There is a sense of conservatism and rusticity about this Climens but it does not appear to have any intention of fading in the future. Drink now-2020. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1975
Rating:
93
–93
The 1975 Climens has a glorious bouquet with beautifully defined citrus fruit, wild honey, orange blossom and just a touch of old antique furniture. It blossoms in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a killer line of acidity. This is still fresh and tense with marmalade, grapefruit, mandarin, bitter orange and brown spices. It feels long and tender in the mouth: quite a powerful Climens at its peak.
robert_parker
1975
Rating:
92
–94
Very complex nose. Quite citrus with less botrytis than expected. Very fine definition on the palate with notes of melted butter, lemon, nuts and almonds. Rounded and complete. Very long. A wonderful Climens. Tasted June 2001.
robert_parker
1975
Rating:
90
–90
Tasted at the Bordeaux Index’s Chateau Climens dinner. This has a light amber hue. The bouquet is very refined with superb definition, perfumed, orange-blossom, apricot, quince and a touch of mandarin. The palate is well balanced, ripe, good level of botrytis with quince, marmalade, citrus lemon and a touch of lanolin. Good definition, quite taut and a little linear, more so than the ’76 on the finish. This remains a great Climens for the vintage, although the ensuing vintage seems to be maturing with more panache. Tasted November 2009.
robert_parker
1975
Rating:
89
–89
Still remarkably youthful and closed, the 1975 Climens has a light golden color and a tight bouquet of coconut, flowers, and ripe fruit. On the palate, it is impeccably balanced, displaying crisp acidity, excellent richness, and an alcoholic, rich, very, very long finish. Full bodied and powerful for Climens, as well as still remarkably backward and unevolved, this will surely be a long-distance runner. Anticipated maturity: Now-2020. Last tasted, 3/90.
robert_parker
1975
Rating:
92
–92
Tasted at Chateau Climens. A similar colour to the ’76 Climens although the nose has a different personality, quite Germanic, like a mature Rheingau blended with a little Tokaji. Good definition though. I also prefer the palate to the ’76 with greater vigour and tension, vibrant Clementine and apricot tinged fruit, with an effervescent apricot and citrus-driven finish that leaves the palate refreshed. Good length. Very fine. Drink now-2025+ Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1973
Rating:
84
–84
One of the top successes in this vintage that produced such lightweight wines, the 1973 Climens should be drunk now before its freshness and crisp, lively, fruity intensity disappear. Rather dry for a Barsac, and medium bodied, this wine has good acidity and enough flavor to merit interest. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 3/84.
robert_parker
1973
Rating:
85
–85
Tasted at Chateau Climens. A pale golden hue. The nose is light as expected with aromas of Clementine, petrol and a touch of mango. The palate is not bad at all, very enjoyable in fact with lively citrus fruits, a hint of marmalade and quince. Not a great deal of depth but nice length. Fine. Drink now-2014. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1972
Rating:
87
–87
Not a vintage you would expect vinous fireworks from, but then again, does Climens ever fail to deliver? A clear, lucid amber colour. The nose is a little monolithic, but clean with aromas of cut marmalade and a little quince. The palate has a very linear entry and is lacking some acidity, but the finish is pleasant with better definition, with a citrus element that I had not foreseen. Drinkable? Certainly. Enjoyable? Definitely. Whilst not a profound Climens, perfect for anyone born in this year. Drink now. Tasted December 2007.
robert_parker
1972
Rating:
80
–80
I was shocked at how good this wine was when I first tasted it. The year 1972 was dreadful but Climens managed to produce a wine with good ripeness, some hints of botrytis, a fleshy texture, and sound balance. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 3/84.
robert_parker
1972
Rating:
87
–87
Tasted at Chateau Climens. A light golden colour. It has a delightful nose of oranges, apricots and a touch of honey. Good definition if not great intensity. The palate is similar to the last bottle: well balanced, lively, citrus fruit with touches of mandarin and peach towards the finish. Lovely! Drink now-2012. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1971
Rating:
96
–96
Tasted at the Chateau Climens vertical in Zurich. A light honeyed hue with green tints. The bouquet has a slight chorine note to it, touches of quince, dried apricot, nectarine, barley sugar with a slight gluey aroma just in the background. The palate is beautiful, very elegant on the palate, good acidity, mellifluous and sensual. Very harmonious, touches of honey, apricot, peach, a touch of marmalade and barley sugar on the finish that sports tremendous persistency. Excellent. Tasted November 2009.
robert_parker
1971
Rating:
94
–94
I have had some of the fabled mature vintages of Climens (the 1947 and 1949 come to mind immediately), but the 1971 remains my favorite mature vintage of this wine. It is a classic Climens, powerful yet restrained, rich and opulent, yet also delicate. This wine has superb balance, a long, lively, crisp finish, and moderate sweetness kept light and delightful by excellent acidity. It is one of the finest Barsacs I have ever tasted. The honeyed pineapple character, so much a personality trait of this wine, is abundantly displayed. Anticipated maturity: Now-2001. Last tasted, 12/97.
robert_parker
1971
Rating:
97
–97
Tasted at Chateau Climens. A deep amber colour. The nose is simply extraordinary, unbelievably perfumed, a bouquet that soars phoenix-like from the glass: mandarin, barley sugar, molasses, fruitcake and a touch of ginger. Very complex and utterly entrancing. The palate has great powerful and freshness, spellbinding balance with vibrant apricot, peach and mandarin flavours that seem to occupy every atom of the palate. This is a divine ’71 that is imbued with great length and flamboyance, a Climens that must stand amongst the greats of the century. Grand Vin! Drink now-2020+. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1970
Rating:
85
–85
Tasted at the Chateau Climens vertical in Zurich. A slightly deeper colour than the bottle poured at the chateau in April. A light, rather enervated bouquet, touches of dried apricot and marmalade, but very simple. The palate has high acidity, quite citrusy, sharp, light apricot, quince jus and apricot. Rather pinched on the finish. Drink up. Tasted November 2009.
robert_parker
1970
Rating:
70
–70
The 1970 is only an adequate Climens as it is dull, a little clumsy, and heavy. Its pale gold color is nice enough, but this lighter-styled Climens lacks grip and, as the English say, ``attack.'' It seems to be an uninspired winemaking effort. Last tasted, 5/82.
robert_parker
1970
Rating:
82
–82
Tasted at Chateau Climens. This has a light nose of apricot and mandarin with just a faint hint of orange-blossom. Lacking vigour, especially compared to the mighty ’71. Still, the palate is not too bad with lively mango and passion fruit flavours. Nice depth on the finish although never entertaining the notion of complexity. Fine. Drink now-2012. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1967
Rating:
87
–87
Tasted at the Chateau Climens vertical in Zurich. This bottle of ’67 has a surprisingly pale green/straw colour. This has a simple nose with barley sugar, dried apricots and something just slightly unclean (wet dog commented my neighbour.) The palate is medium-bodied with a honeyed texture, straightforward, light honeyed notes with touches of coconut and almond. Quite elegant on the finish but it lacks intensity and complexity. A dropped catch. Tasted November 2009.
robert_parker
1967
Rating:
83
–83
Perhaps I have been unlucky and never seen a top-flight bottle of the 1967, but I have generally found this wine to be powerful and richly concentrated, yet not the best-balanced example of Climens. Nevertheless, it is full and mouth-filling, and if the finish is a little coarse and unpolished the wine is still quite satisfying. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 12/79.
robert_parker
1967
Rating:
88
–88
Tasted at Chateau Climens. This has a lovely nose of mandarin, orange-blossom and a touch of peach, although to be honest it is not a million miles better than the ’69. A little “smudged” by alcohol. The palate has a ripe, citrus and mandarin inspired entry, vibrant palate with good depth, touches of quince and barley sugar towards the finish. Good length although it does not fan-out like the ’71 Climens, it just does not have the same gumption or chutzpah. Drink now-2020. Tasted April 2009.
robert_parker
1962
Rating:
91
–91
Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience 1962 Bordeaux horizontal. Moderate The Climens ’62 has a deeper colour than the Coutet. It does not have the definition or the vitality with more conspicuous barley sugar aromas complemented by dried honey, beeswax and quince. The palate is better than the nose on this bottle, less citric with more toffee aromas, barley sugar, mandarin and coconut that lead to fresh and vital on the finish. This is a great Climens...but not as good as the Coutet. Tasted March 2010.
robert_parker
1962
Rating:
94
–94
Served blind at David Wainwright’s 40th bacchanal in Brighton. This is a great Climens, better than the ’64 and the ’67. The bouquet has wonderful definition, quintessential Barsac with dried apricot, beeswax, honeysuckle, marmalade, treacle and candle wax. The palate is fresh and beautifully poised, not as powerful as the ’71 but showing great focus and tension. Citrus on the entry, a touch of sour lemon, viscous texture, superb weight; compelling crescendo of flavours towards the botrytis-rich, ginger-tinged finish that lacquers the mouth. On the showing of this bottle, this Climens will last another twenty years. Drink now-2035. Tasted June 2009.
robert_parker
1962
Rating:
92
–92
Tasted at the Chateau Climens vertical in London. Deeper in colour than the ’64, a straightforward barley sugar nose complemented by quince, marmalade and a touch of peppermint. Good definition, although not quite as complete as the bottle in June, with a touch of Devonshire fudge developing with time. The palate is not dissimilar to the ’64, very good acidity, harmonious and very cohesive, citrus fruit coming through, touches of apricot, honeysuckle and ginger. A nice crescendo here, leading to a impressive finish that exhibits great persistency with tangy marmalade notes lingering long after the wine has exited. Drink now-2030. Tasted November 2009.
robert_parker
1962
Rating:
89
–89
Beginning to deepen in color and take on an amber/golden color, the 1962 Climens must certainly be the best Climens of the sixties. A fragrant, roasted bouquet of melted caramel and brown sugar sauteed in butter is captivating. On the palate, the wine has rich, luscious, unctuous flavors that have remained crisp and lively because of good acidity. It is a worthy challenger to the d’Yquem in 1962. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 1/85.
robert_parker
1949
Rating:
100
–100
One of the greatest sweet white Bordeaux to pass my lips, the 1949 Climens offers up a profound bouquet of confit citrus, tropical fruits, yellow apple, honeysuckle, warm biscuits and mandarin orange. Full-bodied, deep and seamless, it's impeccably balanced, with immense concentration without weight, racy acids and a long, perfumed finish. This magical Barsac will see out a century in style.
robert_parker
1949
Rating:
98
–98
Often over-shadowed by the legendary 1947, this personified everything you could wish for in a mature Barsac. The nose, even after six decades, displays exquisite delineation with light honeysuckle, apricot blossom and quince notes, whilst the palate is perfectly balanced, fresh, almost delicate for a Climens but so incredibly, ineffably complex and harmonious. Effortless, peerless Sauternes. Tasted February 2013.
robert_parker
1949
Rating:
94
–96
A great old Barsac rather than a legendary one. A very deep amber/brown colour, much darker than the 1947. The nose is fragrant: caramel, quince and creme brulee. Still fresh though not vigorous. The palate is well balanced with good acidity. Quite spicy with notes of marmalade, orange zest. Not dissimilar to a mature Tokaji. There does not seem to have been a great deal of botrytis but it is a wonderful mature wine that has the acidity to last a good few years. Tasted June 2004
robert_parker
1949
Rating:
95
–95
Tasted at the Chateau Climens vertical in London. A deep amber colour. The bouquet is very well defined, unfurls beautifully to reveal spices, lemongrass, apricot, Kaffir lime, Satsumas quietly going mouldy in your aunt’s antique vase! Wonderful. With further aeration, hints of ginger coming through with an algeous element in the background. Utterly captivating. The palate is full-bodied, stunning balanced and poise, so fresh and vibrant after sixty years, with notes of orange peel, dried apricot, tangerine counterpoised with sour lemon that lends it an edge. Very harmonious and cohesive on the finish: this a sublime Climens that lives up to its reputation and builds and builds with time. Tasted November 2009.
robert_parker
1929
Rating:
100
–100
The Chateau Climens 1929 must stand as one of the greatest Sauternes (or Barsac) wines of the century. Mature in color, with burnished core and amber rim, the bouquet leaps out of the glass with scintillating delineation, bestowing intoxicating scents of mandarin, Japanese yuzu, dandelion, barley sugar, marmalade and rosewater (a trait displayed by the Lafaurie-Peyraguey 1929 just a few weeks previously.) The palate is underpinned by perfect acidity and a bewildering sense of intensity allied with finesse and mineralite. Traces of apricot, peach and honeycomb emerge, later joined by subtle secondary notes of candied orange peel and mandarin. “Can Sauternes be better than this?” I scribbled at the conclusion of my tasting note. The answer is “No.” Tasted August 2013.
robert_parker
1929
Rating:
99
–99
Tasted at the Chateau Climens vertical in Zurich. A legendary Chateau Climens that lives up to the reputation that precedes it. It has a clear, deep amber hue with green tints on the rim. The bouquet is beautifully defined and vital, with notes of barley sugar, dried mango, a hint of caramel, Seville orange marmalade and sweet almond. With aeration, there is a mote of something more saline, perhaps even a touch of seaweed. Unquestionably, a stunning aromatic profile for an 80-year old Barsac. The palate is mellifluous on the entry, well balanced with good acidity, a texture that caresses and seduces the mouth with its texture. It is utterly harmonious, touches of honeysuckle, apricot, a dash of lemongrass and dried peach, formidable length and balletic poise and a vibrant, tangy aftertaste just to ensure you will forget this in a hurry. Mythical…just mythical. Tasted November 2009.
vinous
2005
Rating:
95
–95
The 2005 Climens has an intense nose, dried honey and a touch of glycerine, tangerine and barley sugar. The palate is well balanced with a viscous opening, tangy marmalade mixed with white peach and white pepper, gaining momentum towards the finish that has real depth and penetration. This is a fabulous Climens with great complexity. Tasted at the Climens vertical at the château in April 2022.
vinous
2005
Rating:
94
–94
Good full golden-yellow. Musky, very fresh aromas of crystallized citrus peel, minerals and toasted bread. The palate offers incredible sappy concentration and a saline aspect, not to mention a penetrating quality rare for this fruit-driven year. In fact, this begins almost light, then builds inexorably toward the back, finishing with a tactile impression of extract and an extraordinary sweetness that almost reminded me of the Suduiraut that I tasted just before it. Should go on for decades.
vinous
2002
Rating:
92
–92
Two desserts might seem a little decadent for just one wine writer, but I couldn’t resist the 2002 Château Climens at an especially fair price on the short but well thought out wine list and so two desserts seemed the right thing to do. Politely styled but not shy on noble rot, this Climens from what is an underrated Barsac vintage (it followed too closely on the heels of the more famous 2001) evokes magical purity of fruit with honeyed tropical fruit and fresh citrus aromas and flavors. Surprisingly richly textured, it stood up well to the two desserts, especially the tarte.
vinous
2002
Rating:
91
–91
Palish yellow. High-toned but quite closed on the nose today, hinting at honey and nuts. Then quite pure and aromatic in the mouth, offeringflavors of citrus fruits and honey. Perfumed and nicely delineated, if a bit sweeter and softer than I would have expected for this chateau in this vintage. Finishes long and lively.
vinous
2002
Rating:
90
–92
Pale, bright yellow. Oak and menthol currently dominate the nose. Suave, dense and moderately rich, with subtly complex, sweet flavors of lemon, marzipan, nuts, honey and vanilla nicely lifted by bright acidity. This has a wonderfully silky texture and an impressively long, spicy finish, with repeating suggestions of vanilla and marzipan. Shows plenty of nervosite; thanks to a bit more rain during the summer, Barsac generally was affected to a lesser degree by passerillage than Sauternes.
vinous
2001
Rating:
96
–96
The 2001 Climens has a well-defined, complex bouquet of dried honey, peach skin, quince and a light beeswax scent. Tight at first, it only takes a few swirls of the glass to get going. The palate is where the action is: very intense and concentrated with layers of botrytized fruit, lightly spiced with tangy marmalade, quince and nectarine notes, merging into saffron and gingerbread toward the very engaging, persistent finish. This is a magnificent Barsac that is only beginning to show what it is capable of.
vinous
2001
Rating:
94
–94
Medium yellow. Reticent, liqueur-like aromas of yellow plum, vineyard peach, spices, white flowers and menthol. Impeccably balanced and impressively structured, with its new oak component to the fore. But this extremely bright, intense, focused wine possesses a strong core of spicy, botrytized fruit. Finishes with terrific fruit and an almost tannic firmness. Like so many of these 2001s, give this long aeration if you plan to taste a bottle any time soon.
vinous
2001
Rating:
94
–97
Pale yellow-gold. Musky aromas of nearly roasted yellow fruits and marzipan, with an intoxicating botrytis tang. Firm on entry, then powerful and gripping in the middle, with multidimensional flavors of peach, passion fruit, spicy oak, acacia flower and vanilla. A wine of great power and intensity, yet there's nothing overbearing or heavy about it. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only one of these 2001s made entirely from semillon.
vinous
2007
Rating:
97
–97
The 2007 Climens has a lighter nose than other vintages, very well defined, airy but gaining intensity with time in the glass. Yellow plum, hints of jasmine emerge with time. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, taut and minerally, lively with a tensile, sapid finish that keeps you coming back for more. This is laden with potential and will repay extended cellaring - if you can resist temptation. Tasted at the Climens vertical at the château in April 2022.
vinous
2009
Rating:
96
–96
The 2009 Climens is much more vibrant on the nose than the 2010 with lovely dried honey, quince, saffron and light chamomile aromas. It blossoms in the glass and gains intensity with each swirl. The palate is very well balanced with a touch of marmalade on the entry, quite tensile from start to finish with a rather long, viscous finish. This is just beginning to motor. Tasted at the Climens vertical at the château in April 2022.
vinous
2009
Rating:
96
–96
The 2009 Climens has a clean and pure bouquet with honey and brioche aromas, like pure sunlight! The palate is fresh and crisp with superb botrytised fruit. Great tension and a dash of ginger and lemongrass spice up the detailed finish. This is a Climens that is only just beginning to demonstrate what is capable of. Bon vin! Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.
robert_parker
2022
Rating:
95
–95
Revealing a delicate, complex bouquet of spices, ripe apricot, pineapple, guava and mango, the 2022 Château Climens is showing well today and possesses a medium to full-bodied, tense and layered palate, a fleshy, delicate core of fruit enhanced by bright acids and a delicate, ethereal finish with notes of apricot and orchard fruits. This has a pH of 4.1 and 141 grams per liter of residual sugar. As usual, this estate produced a tense and elegant Barsac that is especially attractive this vintage. It should age gracefully over the next two decades and more.
robert_parker
2006
Rating:
94
–94
Tasted at the Sauternes 2006 ten-year on horizontal in Bordeaux. The 2006 Climens still feels youthful on the nose, a car revving its engine but yet to release the handbrake. The palate is medium-bodied with harmonious, honeyed marmalade and quince-tinged fruit, plenty of botrytis and perhaps here, a little more advanced than the aromatics. They will catch up in time to complete the gorgeous, quite ravishing yet tensile Climens from Bérénice Lurton and her team.
robert_parker
1998
Rating:
88
–88
Pale to medium gold in color, the 1998 Climens has a nose of chalk dust, lemongrass, straw and dried apples with hints of candied lemons and toasted almonds. The palate is a little tired and fading, with pleasant nutty/savory notions and a bit of dryness to the finish. Drink up!
robert_parker
2009
Rating:
97
–97
Pale gold, the 2009 Climens offers up a fabulously fragrant nose of green tea, chamomile, powdered ginger, lemon marmalade and fallen leaves with suggestions of spice cake and preserved mandarin peel. The palate is super intense with vibrant, energetic fruit and layer upon layer of perfume and spice nuances, finishing very long and incredibly youthful.
robert_parker
2016
Rating:
96
–96
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
2002
Rating:
93
–94
Space limitations preclude including tasting notes. 2002 was an average vintage.
robert_parker
1997
Rating:
94
–94
Consistently one of the most profound wines of Barsac/Sauternes, this wine, made from 100% Semillon, is one of the most ravishing examples of just how much elegance can be built into a powerful race horse style of wine. The classic 1997 Climens boasts gorgeously pure pineapple, citrus, butter, mineral, and floral scents in its soaring aromatics. While it is not a blockbuster, it is medium to full-bodied, with extraordinary precision, elegance, and purity. This slightly sweet Climens should drink well young, but evolve nicely for 15-30 years. It is unquestionably a high-class Barsac. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2025.
(No tasting note was provided in Issue 128. We have instead included the text of the tasting note from Issue 122)
robert_parker
2000
Rating:
91
–91
The proprietors are extremely happy with what they were able to produce in 2000. Even though this vintage has a poor reputation, producers who only included the early-picked grapes in their final blends have often turned out nearly exceptional wines. Yields for the 2000 Climens were microscopic (four hectoliters per hectare) and the wine, although somewhat monolithic (I tasted it right after bottling), exhibits honeyed citrus, pineapple, and hints of pears, butter, and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied and elegant, with superb purity (a hallmark of this great estate), it should be at its finest between 2007-2020.
robert_parker
1990
Rating:
95
–95
The 1990 continues to develop exceptionally well (better than I thought), and now looks to be a worthy rival of the dazzling 1988. The superb aromatics (pineapple, acacia, vanilla, and honey) are followed by a rich, full-bodied, atypically powerful Climens that possesses adequate acidity, high alcohol, and even higher levels of extract and fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2030.
robert_parker
1989
Rating:
90
–90
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.
robert_parker
1988
Rating:
96
–96
The 1988 reveals layer upon layer of honeyed pineapple-and orange-scented and -flavored fruit, vibrant acidity, high levels of botrytis, and a fabulously long, yet well-focused finish. It is a great wine. Anticipated maturity: 1998-2015.
robert_parker
1983
Rating:
92
–92
The 1983 has consistently improved since bottling and is a far greater wine than I ever imagined after tasting it from cask. It exhibits the classic honeyed pineapple and spicy oakiness that makes Climens so profound. In the mouth, this wine is opulent, extremely rich, with gobs of glycerin, yet enough acidity to give it plenty of definition and crispness. It is a beautifully made, even stunning Barsac that is eclipsed by the great 1986 and 1988. Anticipated maturity: Now-2009. Last tasted, 11/90.
robert_parker
1982
Rating:
80
–80
Only tasted twice, but on each occasion Climens did not display the crisp acidity and structure that one has come to expect from this property. Somewhat diffuse, sweet, and flabby, without enough counterbalancing acidity, this is a wine that will no doubt mature quite quickly. Anticipated maturity: Now-1993. Last tasted, 3/86.
robert_parker
1980
Rating:
90
–90
1980 is a wonderful vintage of Climens, which has produced an outstanding Barsac. An exotic bouquet of tropical fruit, pineapples, and melons is really top class. On the palate, the wine is rich, yet never heavy or cloyingly sweet, with crisp, rich, medium-bodied, lush, velvety, ripe fruity flavors. This is a superb effort from Climens, and one of the best sweet wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. Last tasted, 12/90.
robert_parker
1979
Rating:
85
–85
A success for Climens, this pale golden-colored wine with a greenish tint is less concentrated and affected by botrytis than the 1980. Lighter and drier, but still relatively rich, this stylish and graceful wine has great flexibility as a Barsac in that it can be matched with a dessert or served to open a meal. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. Last tasted, 3/88.
robert_parker
1978
Rating:
86
–86
The 1978 Climens is slightly more concentrated than the 1979, but like the 1979, it lacks the extra dimension that botrytis gives these wines. Because of the weather conditions, little botrytis formed in this vintage. The 1978 is a plump wine, with a fat, fruity concentration, moderate sweetness, full body, and a top-class bouquet of grilled nuts, flowers, and candied apples. This is an elegant wine. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 2/85.
robert_parker
1977
Rating:
80
–80
Climens produced a very respectable wine from this poor vintage. Light golden with a green tint, the wine lacks richness and depth, but offers surprisingly crisp, fresh tropical fruit flavors. good elegance, and a style not unlike a good dry Graves. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 3/84.
robert_parker
1976
Rating:
87
–87
Quite fat and advanced in evolution for Climens, the 1976 is drinking gorgeously now. Charmingly fruity, with an expansive bouquet of ripe fruit, fresh honey, a vanillin oakiness, and some subtle herbal notes, this medium-bodied wine has average acidity, and a plump, soft texture. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 3/88.
robert_parker
1996
Rating:
88
–90
The 1996 is a light wine, offering a lemony, citrusy, and white fruit-scented nose with notes of minerals and spice. Medium-bodied, with good acidity, lively fruit, some sweetness, and a youthful finish, this wine should be at its finest between 2003-2015.
