1986 Climens
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Tasting notes
The 1986 Climens is ordered in a half-bottle, the perfect size for Sauternes. This is one of my favorite vintages of the Barsac estate. It has a vivacious, energetic bouquet with Seville oranges, quince and a touch of melted wax. The palate has a kind of streamlined intensity that knocks you for seven, full of energy with a captivating apricot-tinged finish that leaves you wanting more. It’s challenging to think of a wine that offers better value than this.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1986 Climens has a lucid golden colour. It demands coaxing from the glass, notes of Seville orange, marmalade, quince and lanolin. The palate is where it's all happening with a power that bowls you over. This 1986 has wonderful balance and poise, building towards a taut Clementine and apricot finish. Perhaps this is overshadowed by the end of the decade triumvirate, but it should not be ignored. From an ex-château bottle.
Light orange with a peachy nose. Relatively low acidity. Slightly soft but fun. Floral notes. Very slightly simple and with less concentration than the Yquem 1986 served blind alongside. (JR)
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.