2007 Ch. Climens, Barsac

This is a jaw-droppingly good Climens that may just turn out to be the best they have ever made. With 100% Sémillon and, as ever, the epitome of delicacy, finesse and complexity, it is utterly sensational - possibly even better than d'Yquem itself. It has amazing depth and richness yet remains wonderfully vibrant, leaving magical flavours of sweet orange blossom in the mouth. Owner Bérénice Lurton has produced some fabulous wines from this celebrated Barsac estate in recent years but her 2007 is truly sublime. Buy as much of this as you can.

Bérénice Lurton refuses to submit a sample of a wine which is not the final blend... The impression was of an incredible mosaic of contrasting yet complementary elements, combining great concentration (mostly wonderfully perfumed) with beautifully unctuous textures and complex fruit flavours, often very honeyed; all marked by a glorious freshness and purity... It is hard to imagine much better wine than this.
David Peppercorn MW

"As usual, no finished blend of this wine was available for tasting.The most thrilling was a sample picked on 17 Oct ... It had a heady aroma of hazelnuts and was amazingly substantial in terms of both body and richness, the keynote of the best 2007 Sauternes. A slightly dry finish (something evident on the Yquem 2007 too) but so fascinating in terms of its array of elements. The wines from the first trie were much lighter and simpler but had great clarity and freshness while the third trie's produce seemed lighter than the second too. But overall, this should be a very promising year for Climens."
(Jancis Robinson - www.jancisrobinson.com - Apr 08)

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The final blend (although not blended in the cellars.) The nose has certainly closed down since last year, tightly coiled. However the palate is superb: brilliant definition and weight of fruit. Incredibly pure with notes of honey, fresh apricots, a touch of citrus lemon and passion fruit, wonderful tension and length on the finish. Perhaps the wine of the vintage? Awesome purity and length. The wine of the vintage although I think it will close down after bottling…you have been warned!
(Neal Martin - Wine Journal, erobertparker.com - Jul 09)