2007 Climens
By Chateau Climens
2007 Climens from Chateau Climens, Sauternes, Bordeaux
The 2007 vintage in Sauternes stands as a testimony to the region's deft handling of nature's caprices—an exquisite example being the 2007 Climens from Chateau Climens. This particular year was marked by atmospheric contrasts that tuned the botrytis cinerea or "noble rot" to near perfection, leading to a wine of entrancing complexity and longevity.
The Vintage's Unique Expression
As a luminary in the art of viticulture, Chateau Climens has once again demonstrated its mastery with the climatic jigsaw that was 2007. The temperate warmth along with sporadic rain created conditions favourable for the mystical transformation of the fruit. The Sémillon grapes' usually honeyed characteristics were thus elevated by an energising acidity, brought on by the vintage's peculiar climate—a spell-binding duel between sweetness and sharpness eagerly sought after by informed investors and connoisseurs alike.
Investment-Worthy Elegance
The 2007 Climens offers spellbinding aromas of candied apricot, saffron, and gingerbread, ensnaring any discerning palate with its olfactory ballet. The buoyancy of this golden elixir belies its rich intensity; an intensity that flows poetically into a finish which endures with aristocratic grace. Poised magnificently between opulence and precision, it distinguishes itself not merely as a beverage but as a tangible asset to any serious collection.
As time marches on, this liquid alchemy from Chateau Climens is expected to grow ever more splendid in its golden years. Maturing with an aura of sophistication that beckons further inquiry and adulation, it is undoubtedly an investable treasure with considerable cellar potential.
Savouring Liquid History
In summarising this vintage's singular splendour, the 2007 Climens encapsulates a moment in history where nature conspired to create something profoundly beautiful at the hands of human craft. It is this serendipitous partnership between the elements and expertise that yields not simply a beverage of note but a chapter in an oenophile's annals. Herein lies the essence of what makes certain wines more than mere drink—their ability to serve as relics of their seasons, narrators of their terroir—destined to be recounted and relished across time.
Market price (GBP)
£610.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
33.89
Scores and tasting notes
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.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 22 December 2011