BigHammerWines.com

Château Climens is one of the great names of Bordeaux’s sweet wine world. Located in Barsac, just next to Sauternes, this estate has been making wine since the 16th century and was ranked a Premier Cru Classé in 1855. What makes Climens different? It’s made entirely from one grape—Sémillon—and grown in limestone-rich soils that give the wine a bright, refreshing edge. Under the careful guidance of Bérénice Lurton, Climens is also fully biodynamic, using natural methods to bring out the best in the vineyard.

The 2016 vintage is a beauty. It was a year with perfect conditions for noble rot—the key to the rich, honeyed flavors in wines like this. After harvesting in several small passes, the wine was aged for nearly two years in French oak barrels, adding layers of flavor and texture.

This wine is all about balance. You get the lush fruit—peach, mango, pineapple, citrus peel—wrapped in a silky, smooth texture. But it’s also fresh and vibrant, never heavy. Compared to other sweet wines like Yquem or Rieussec, Climens often feels lighter on its feet—more elegant than opulent.

Drink now or age for decades. Either way, it’s a treat.

Aging: 20 to 24 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 35–45% new oak used.

100 % Sémillon. The 2016 Château Climens bursts with aromas of ripe peach, mango, orange blossom, and honeyed brioche. On the palate, it’s rich and velvety yet incredibly fresh—layered with flavors of apricot, pineapple, pear, and candied ginger, balanced by vibrant acidity and a subtle mineral edge. The finish is long, elegant, and mouthwatering, showcasing the purity and precision of 100% Sémillon from Barsac’s chalky soils.

The 2016 Chateau Climens is a head-turning blend made by the talented Bérénice Lurton, who has managed this property since 1992. 100% Semillon, this golden hued wine shows an exotic aromatic display, offering apricot jelly, pineapple upside down cake, butterscotch and shades of toasted hazelnut the all mingle together on the nose. Showing a glorious combination of tension and viscosity, the 2016 Climens shows incredible length and elegance despite its obvious power. Rich lemon creme brulee, vanilla cream, and orange marmalade flavors combine with a bright sense of minerality and a light salinity. The seamless quality of the wine is remarkable. Simply glorious now in its youth, this scintillating new release will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. ~98 Owen Bargreen

The perfect combination of ripe and overripe pineapples, white peaches, nectarines and a touch of mango all slathered in honey, vanilla and flowers. The wine is quite sweet. But, the racy acidity lifts everything up on your palate so everything feels fresh and energetic. This could score even higher as it ages, and it will definitely age for at least 3 decades or longer. ∼95 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Pale lemon-gold colored, the 2016 Climens is a little youthfully mute, revealing notions of ripe peaches, mango and musk melon with touches of cedar chest, orange blossoms, candied ginger and baking bread. Bursting in the mouth with vibrant, energetic stone fruit and tropical layers, it is framed by fantastic freshness, finishing long and creamy. ∼96 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

The 2016 Climens has a tightly wound bouquet, perhaps a little more mineral-driven than its peers, featuring detailed orange pith, honey and marmalade aromas that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with a viscous, honeyed opening. This is a touch richer and creamier than its peers, but it is not cloying and delivers a lovely crème brûlée and toffee apple finish that lingers. Superb. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. ∼95 Neal Martin, Vinous Media

Climens hold blending tastings every few weeks during maturation, and generally the final blend is made in the November of the year after harvest. Climens only needed two 'tries' through the vineyard here, which has been the case for two or three years as it goes so smoothly. The first tri took place on 20th September following 40mm of rain in mid September, which helped to kick-start the botrytis. The overall yield of around 20hl/ha mainly avoided mildew, and importantly proved that biodynamics can withstand difficult climatic conditions. They work with individual lots here to ensure the right balance, and tasting through several lots the homogeneity of quality is really impressive this year. The overall impression is of smooth citrus fruits with a succulent, velvety rich texture and a beautiful creaminess. There are toffee and nut notes and a gorgeous focus, with true salinity on the finish. The 3.7pH is very close to last year's acidity analysis. ∼94 Decanter

***Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles of This Wine***