Chateau Climens 1er Cru Classe Barsac 2005 [375 mL HALF-BOTTLE]
(Sauternes, France) - [OB 100] [WA 97] [WS 95] [VM 94+]

The exceptionally distinguished Château Climens is classified as a 1er Cru Classé and known as the "Lord of Barsac". Its history dates to the 16th century, and only six families have owned the estate from its origins. This is a rare occurrence which explains why its surface area in a continuous single vineyard has practically remained unchanged since the date of its creation. At Château Climens, only the Semillon grape variety is used. Thanks to the limestone terroir of Climens, the estate is able to produce not only unique sweet wines but also exceptional dry white wines.

Ratings & Reviews:

100 Points - Owen Bargreen:
"A resounding success from this great vintage, the 2005 Chateau Climens is a world-class wine that is weightless, highly complex and absolutely scintillating to enjoy now. The gorgeous bouquet beings you back to the glass, offering intense tropical fruits alongside vanilla creme brûlée, pineapple upside down cake and shades of Meyer lemon cream. The palate is seamless and smooth, with plenty of stony minerals that meld well with passion fruit, bananas foster and toasted macadamia nut flavors. Showing beautiful weight and intensity, this has a really long life ahead of it. Drink 2024-2050" (Nov 2025)

97 Points - Wine Advocate: 
"Tasted blind at the 10-Year On Tasting in Sauternes. The 2005 Château Climens just soars from the glass with layers of clear honey, marmalade, nectarine and minerals all beautifully carved. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh, vibrant honeyed fruit that builds and builds in the mouth in tandem with a killer line of acidity. Even though it is a convincing, great Climens, you also have the impression that it is only just beginning to show what it is capable of. Bérénice Lurton and her team excelled in this vintage and it comes strongly recommended." (Jun 2015)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Toffee, dried lemon rind and tropical fruit on the nose. Full-bodied and very sweet, with a dense palate of candied fruit and a long, sweet finish. Very concentrated. The botrytis spice creeps up on the finish. Best after 2013. 2,300 cases made." (Mar  2008)

94+ Points - Vinous Media:
"Good full golden-yellow. Musky, very fresh aromas of crystallized citrus peel, minerals and toasted bread. The palate offers incredible sappy concentration and a saline aspect, not to mention a penetrating quality rare for this fruit-driven year. In fact, this begins almost light, then builds inexorably toward the back, finishing with a tactile impression of extract and an extraordinary sweetness that almost reminded me of the Suduiraut that I tasted just before it. Should go on for decades." - Stephen Tanzer (Jul 2008)