2004 Climens
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Climens has a strict bouquet that is overshadowed by the superior 2005, a little drier and more timid, candle wax and lanolin permeating the light honeyed fruit. The palate is better with quince, saffron, white pepper and a touch of chlorine. A little bitterness towards the finish lends freshness. Somewhat awkward, yet fascinating. Tasted at the Climens vertical at the château in April 2022.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2004 Climens is beginning to open up nicely – no surprise given that this Barsac always needs a decade in bottle. The nose has a delicacy that is uncommon for a youthful Climens, unfurling with subtle scents of caramelized butter, dried honey, mint and lemon thyme, but immediately identifiable as Climens. The palate is viscous on the entry, with Climens’ trademark spiciness lurking under the surface. This is very harmonious and focused – probably just beginning to enter its drinking plateau. I suspect that it will never reach the heights of the 2001 or 2009, but is a very commendable “second tier” Climens. Drink now-2035. Tasted February 2014.
Gorgeous, round and fresh. Big and opulent and very clean though with a strong streak of greenness. (JR)
This amber wine was rich, unctuous – obviously from greater Bordeaux and of high quality. I thought it was a 2005 classed growth Sauternes. We allowed two points for Sauternes, three for Barsac – and while you needed to guess 2004 for the full two marks given for vintage, 2005 would have garnered one point. (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.