2019 Asphodele, Château Climens, Bordeaux
Critics reviews
Jane Anson, Decanter (November 2020)
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate (September 2020)
Mealy nose with a definite suggestion of Sémillon waxiness. Lovely rich palate entry. Quite an extraordinary wine in that it’s light in alcohol, sweetness and acidity – yet tastes like Sauternes/Barsac in so many ways. Not having been able to make any sweet 2021, Climens deserves our support! Much more interesting than the BBR Loire whites at the same price, it’s sui generis. It seems to have gained in interest.
Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com (Jun 2022)
Biodynamically certified since 2014, this 100% semillon wine is unlike anything I have tasted and the 2019 vintage is a gem.....Most dry white Bordeaux employ the services of sauvignon blanc alongside semillon in the blend and oak during maturation – when I heard that Bérénice’s wine was a pure semillon with no oak used whatsoever, I was extremely excited. This is one of the most graceful, ethereal and delicious French semillons I have tasted. It is silky-smooth, cucumber-tinged and extraordinarily pretty on both the nose and palate. It might seem an odd observation, but this wine does not taste like a Bordeaux interpretation of a Loire style of white wine, but a French version of an elite Hunter semillon. This is the highest praise I can offer.
Mathew Jukes, Wine of the week, Moneyweek (April 2021)
About this WINE
Chateau Climens
Château Climens is the leading property in Barsac, Bordeaux and produces one of the greatest sweet wines in Bordeaux.
It can trace its history back to the 16th century and was bought by Lucien Lurton in 1971. It has been owned and managed by Berenice Lurton since 1992. Climens is located in the south of the Barsac appellation, just outside the small village of La Pinesse - the vineyards (Sémillon 100%) lie on the highest point in Barsac (20m above sea level) on a gravel/sand topsoil and a limestone/clay subsoil. Yields at Climens are tightly restricted and the wine is barrel-fermented and then aged in small oak barriques (one third new) for 22 months.
If d`Yquem is the epitome of power and concentration, then Climens is the epitome of delicacy, finesse and complexity. The wines from the best vintages can last for up to 50 years. Climens is classified as a Sauternes 1er Cru Classé
Barsac
Barsac is one of the communes of the Sauternes appellation (along with Bommes, Fargues, Preignac and Sauternes itself). With marginally flatter land and soils of red sand and light gravels, the commune adjoins the northern boundary of the commune of Sauternes, separated by the Ciron River, whose cold waters are so instrumental in producing the region's necessary autumn fogs.
There are just over 800 hectares under vine, producing nearly two million bottles in an average year. The châteaux can choose to sell their wine under either the Sauternes or the Barsac appellation, but stylistically the wines are arguably a little lighter in style than those of Sauternes.
The leading producers are Châteaux Climens and Coutet, with Châteaux Nairac, Doisy-Daëne and Doisy-Vedrines making good value, attractive wines.
Sémillon
The main grape for Sauternes and particularly successfully grown in Australia's Hunter Valley. Hunter Valley Sémillon is one of Australia’s iconic and unique wines, totally unlike any wine produced elsewhere in the world from the same grape variety.
In youth the wines are quite citrusy and fresh, but are generally perceived to gain hugely in complexity as they age and are deemed to be best drunk when at least 5 years old, frequently lasting for 10 or more years. Unusually for Australia, the alcohol levels rarely exceed 11.5%.
In Bordeaux it is the most widely planted white grape and is blended with Sauvignon Blanc to produce the great long-lived dry whites of Graves as well as the great sweet wines of Sauternes. It is high in alcohol and extract and relatively low in aroma and acidity. Its thin skin makes it very susceptible to botrytis which is prerequisite for the making of Sauternes. It responds well to oak ageing and, while having a lightly lemony aroma when young develops lanolin flavours which some describe as "waxy", as well as a rich, creamy, intense, texture and a deep golden colour.
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Description
This product is part of our Mix and Match offer: choose any 12 bottles for £300. Browse the full selection here.
Fresh green apple and peaches combine with a floral hint on the nose of this beguiling dry wine. Tangy passionfruit comes through on the palate, alongside fresh-cut grass, and a murmur of beeswax. The wine has a smooth and gently rounded texture, before giving way to subtle honey and nutty flavours on the finish. Beautiful and delicate now, this dry Sémillon has layers of subtle flavour, and will evolve in bottle for another 5-6 years.
Drink now to 2027
Barbara Drew MW, Berry Bros. & Rudd (April 2021)
The first dry white in the history of Château Climens, a Barsac estate famous for its sweet wines, this is a triumph for Bérénice Lurton, the manager and owner. Inquisitive oenophiles will appreciate this light, delicate, 100 per cent unoaked semillon, with zesty citrus notes and a pillow-soft texture. Smart work.
Will Lyons, Six underrated Bordeaux white wines, The Sunday Times (August 2021)
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