Château Climens 2022 Barsac 1e Grand Cru Classé - 0,375L

Neal Martin (Vinous)
(93-96)/100 punten
The 2022 Climens was tasted from a prepared sample, although the final blending has not been done - though it still represents around 95% of what will be the final wine. There were just two tries this vintage between 6 and 23 October, and there is 141g/L residual sugar. It has a fragrant bouquet with wild honey, peach skin and lemon curd, well-defined, though not as intense as previous vintages tasted at this stage. The palate is medium-bodied with a waxy/viscous opening and a fine bead of acidity, not tremendously deep but with fine delineation. With nougat, quince and almond notes, the 2022 is quite sweet and almost Riesling-like toward the finish that actually feels as if it has less than the aforementioned residual sugar level. This is a precise Climens.

Falstaff
96/100 punten
Light golden yellow colour with silver reflections. Candied orange zest, ripe peach, a hint of apricot confit, fine botrytis touch, a hint of honey, inviting bouquet. Complex, powerful, fine ripe stone fruit nuances, delicate hint of lychee, good acidity, vivid sweetness on the finish, shows length and good ageing potential, will certainly benefit from ten to fifteen years of ageing. 

The Wine Independent (Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW)
(93-95)/100 punten
The 2022 Climens is 100% Semillon with a yield of 7.5 hl/ha, 141 g/L residual sugar, and pH 4.1. Pale to medium straw in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with bold notes of apricot preserves, pineapple upside-down cake, and mango coulis, leading to suggestions of lime blossom, beeswax, and cashews. The palate is rich and decadent, with lovely energy and just enough acidity to match, finishing long with a spicy kick.

Jancis Robinson
17,5/20 punten
Golden hue. Fragrant but understated with mandarin, spice and vanilla notes. Rich but fresh and balanced. Bitter-botrytised notes and great persistence. Saline note on the finish. Elegance and finesse.

Decanter
91/100
Juicy and vibrant initially, a nice weight on the palate, with lemon, orange, pineapple. Has some creaminess but keeps quite a sleek frame. A little constructed and toasted on the finish. Missing some fruit density and sense of layering - it's a bit shy, not showing as much fleshiness or overt sweetness as some others at this point - 141g/l residual sugar.

Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux)
93/100 punten
Rich gold in colour, with intense crème caramel, apple tart, citron confit and apricot puree flavours, this has a silky texture and luscious appeal, low acidity, unusual for Climens, although a beautiful mint freshness gives a welcome cooling blash on the finish. 114g/l residual sugar, 4.1ph. 7.5hl/h yield. Harvest from October 6 to 23, spanning 9 days in total. New owner Jean-Hubert Moitry as of this vintage, with managing director Jerome Moitry. The winemaking team remains the same, overseen at least for now by Bérénice Lurton, and this En Primeur sample has been tasted the first time as a finished blend, not tasted direct from individual barrels as in the past.