Château Climens, 1er Cru Classé, Barsac, 2007
Pale to mid-gold in colour, aromatically very expressive on the nose with oaky hints and plenty of creamy texture; explosive on the palate, soaked in a buttery richness and so smooth across the tongue; very sweet but buoyed up by underlying freshness, lots of minerals, wonderful balance. This elegant, sumptuous wine is a must for Sauternes fans. (A memorable tasting experience, served from barrels that show the remarkable differences not between different varieties (100% Semillon at Climens) but between the earlier and later harvested grapes. The freshness of the earlier barrels is then blended magnificently with the richness of the later barrels to give an impression of the likely final blend of Climens 2007.)
critic reviews
Pale to medium lemon-gold color, the nose of the 2007 Climens leaps with notions of dried pineapple, lemon drops, and key lime pie, plus suggestions of candied ginger, toasted almonds, and crushed rocks. The palate is wonderfully intense with fantastic freshness and loads of bright citrusy sparks, finishing long and minerally. It is tantalizingly delicious right now with beautiful harmony and plenty of depth, but just 5-7 more years in bottle should seriously kick your experience up a few notches. The residual sugar this vintage is 151 grams per liter.
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.