1999 Climens
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Tasting notes
The 1999 Climens just misses a bit of definition on the nose, lacks a bit of spark compared to the superior 2001. Beeswax, lanolin and saffron, it just needs more lift. The palate has moderate depth, slightly bitter on the mid-palate with a finish that quotes my previous note, seems to just "run out of ideas". Tasted at the Climens vertical at the château in April 2022.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Climens is a good Barsac but not my favorite Climens. At 20 years old it has a rather punchy, attacking bouquet that is missing the composure of the best vintages. The palate is marked by a sharp thread of acidity that unbalances the wine overall, and it seems to run out of ideas toward the finish. There is enjoyment to be found, but Bérénice Lurton has crafted far better Climens than this in the past. Tasted from a bottle in my own collection.
TA 4.1 g/l (sulphuric), RS 92 g/l. Only two tries this vintage. Lower residual sugar than in some later vintages and highish alcohol. Rich, bitter orange and apricot nose. Pretty viscous considering the lower RS but lovely tangy acidity. Long, full of spiced barley sugar flavours, but with a slightly abrupt finish, perhaps a slight phenolic grip combined with the high acidity. Bags of character. (JH)
About the producer
Château Climens is one of Sauternes-Barsac’s leading producers of sweet wine. Classified as a Premier Cru or First Growth in 1855 it sits alongside just 10 other Premier Cru estates in Sauternes, only bettered by Ch. d’Yquem, which was granted its own elite classification of Premier Cru Supérieur.