Description

When people think Barsac/Sauternes they often think of a fat, sugar laden monster. I’m here to tell you that Chateau Climens is like a ballerina. The grape selection and wine making allows it to dance along your tongue, lithe and expressive without looking like it is breaking a sweat. Do yourself a favour.

In the local dialect Chateau Climens means ‘unfertile or poor land’. Rather unusually for Barsac, all 28 hectare of vines are planted entirely to Semillon. 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. Having gone to the effort of 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.

Pretty, charming and very young. Flavours range from sweet honeysuckle to marmalade and dried mango. There is wonderful freshness in this vintage with a lingering finish.

Service

Drink now as it is delicious. Or drink in 25 years. It’ll change but never loss its grace. Keep it cool but not too cold.

Food Matches

Blue cheese would be my go to. But lighter desserts would be fine. Or it has enough acid to be served as a starter with savoury dishes.

Barsac

Situated within the boundaries of Sauternes is a particularly limestone infused patch of dirt. That patch offers less opulence but more perfume and freshness. This comes completely from terroir as the wines are made in the same way; with the use of the noble rot aka botrytis. And they 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.

2014

Outstanding year of pure wines marked by lemony botrytis and high acidity.