The Producer
The history of Château Climens dates back to the 16th century, when the estate began to stand out for the quality of its sweet wines produced on the heights of Barsac. Long owned by the Roborel family, from which it partly derives its name, the château gradually established itself as one of the major estates of the appellation. This reputation was confirmed in 1855 during the official classification of Bordeaux wines, where Climens was recognized as a Premier Cru among the great sweet wines of Sauternais and Barsac. In the 20th century, after belonging to the Gounouilhou family, the estate was acquired in 1971 by Lucien Lurton, an important figure in the Bordeaux vineyard.
The vineyard extends over a typical clay-limestone plateau of the appellationBarsac, where the shallow soils rest on a limestone bedrock that promotes the aromatic finesse and tension of the wines. Notable feature: the estate is almost exclusively planted withSémillon, a grape variety particularly sensitive toBotrytis cinerea. This noble fungus, favored by the microclimate created by the proximity of theCironand theGaronne, concentrates sugars and aromas in the berries, giving rise to sweet wines of great precision, combining richness and freshness.
Today, the estate belongs to the Lurton family and is managed byBérénice Lurton, who upholds the quality standards of the château. The vineyard is cultivated using organic farming and then biodynamics, a rare approach in the appellation that aims to preserve the purest expression of the terroir. The wines of Climens are renowned for their balance between intensity and elegance, offering complex aromas of candied citrus, honey, white flowers, and spices, with remarkable aging potential.
The Wine
Geology: Ferruginous clay sands on a fractured limestone base with asterias
Average age of the vines: 38 years
Planting density: 6,600 vines/ha
Vineyard management: In biodynamics since 2010 across the entire vineyard (Biodyvin certification since 2014)
Vinification: in small batches in renewed French oak barrels of 30 to 40%
Aging: 20 to 22 months
Tasting
These wines hold great surprises for open-minded individuals as they pair well with many dishes, whether it be Asian cuisine, good charcuterie, various cheeses, as well as seafood, oysters, or even a simple roasted chicken. Contrary to popular belief, these wines can also be enjoyed in their youth, with freshness and tension. Finally, do not hesitate to open a bottle, knowing that it will keep perfectly for several weeks in the refrigerator.
Scores and Notes
99
Le Figaro
18/20
La RVF
18/20
Jancis Robinson
97
Wine Advocate