One of the great Sauternes houses in the world, Chateau Climens is located on the left bank of the Garonne, in Graves region in the south-west of Bordeaux, The Grands Crus from Sauternes and Barsac were classified in 1855 at the same time as the Grands Crus from Médoc. Château Climens belongs to the First Classed Growths of 1855.
In Sauternes appellation, the small village of Barsac is primarily set on limestone soils which yields a wonderful freshness and balance to the wines. Having visited Chateau Climens last spring, I couldn’t help but notice the limestone deposits scattered all across the vineyard and some of them were quite large. Chateau Clemens estate is a 30 hectares property situated on the appellation’s highest land and Bérénice Lurton has been at the helm there since 1992. Berenice has a magical way with her wines to create a stunning sense of balance and terroir, regardless of vintage. I have found this to be true even in warmer vintages with higher levels of botrytis. Bérénice is one of the great winemakers of the world.
Last year I had a chance to do a long vertical tasting of her wines and was absolutely blown away with the consistency even in the most challenging of vintages. Her new wine from the 2016 vintage (WWB, 98) is a profoundly elegant wine. While this may not have the viscosity and richness that other vintages have, the elegance, tension and marvelous range really entices. This beauty really needs a lot of cellaring to fulfill its potential. It is a head-turning Sauternes that will be exceedingly long lived — most likely past my lifetime. Learn about this compelling estate in the Bordeaux region at http://www.chateau-climens.fr/en/
2016 Chateau Climens Sauternes- The 2016 Chateau Climens is a head-turning blend made by the talented Bérénice Lurton, who has managed this property since 1992. 100% Semillon, this golden hued wine shows an exotic aromatic display, offering apricot jelly, pineapple upside down cake, butterscotch and shades of toasted hazelnut the all mingle together on the nose. Showing a glorious combination of tension and viscosity, the 2016 Climens shows incredible length and elegance despite its obvious power. Rich lemon creme brulee, vanilla cream, and orange marmalade flavors combine with a bright sense of minerality and a light salinity. The seamless quality of the wine is remarkable. Simply glorious now in its youth, this scintillating new release will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. Drink 2026-2050- 98