Description

In the local dialect Climens means ‘unfertile or poor land’. 28 hectare of vines are planted entirely to Semillon, which is unusual but history shows the variety is a perfect match for the terroir. Fermentation in French oak, then aging in 35-45% new oak for almost two years allows the wine to develop weight and harmony. Low cropping and conversion to biodynamic methods are evidence of the time and effort they put into the grapes themselves. The wines are tropical, vanilla, spicy and with lively acidity thanks to all that Semillon. They age for decades effortlessly.

Full and tropical, tangy, spicy, long and richly flavoured. It is not as well structured as great years so might not do 50 years in the cellar. But leaving it for another 10-25 won’t be a bad thing.

Barsac

Within Sauternes is a particularly limestone infused patch of dirt that offers less opulence but more perfume and freshness. The wines are made in the same way, with the use of the noble rot, botrytis, live as long as Sauternes and are just as fascinating.

Semillon

A somewhat shy variety that is most famous for balancing Sauvignon Blancs overt tendencies in table wines and sauternes styles. It found a home in the Hunter where the early picked wines can live for 50 years.

2011

Difficult conditions for reds but quite favourable for the sweet wines of Bordeaux. There were some issues and some of the sweet wines are quite ripe and forward.