At the end of our monthly group dinner last night, we had these four fabulous bottles of Climens. The 1990 was good, really good, but IMHO it did not quite hold up to the other three wines.
The 1967 and 1986 were simply glorious. The 1967 looked like it should have been a bit over the hill. and when you first put it in you mouth you wonder if it has any fruit yet, but then while it is in your mouth (and after) the flavors start to explode and there are a lot of just marvelous older Climens flavors.
The 1986 was just in perfect maturity. Perfect color, perfect balance. Classic Barsac, classic Climens. Good richness, good acidy, just a marvelous wine.
If these three had been all we had had last night, it would have been enough (dayenu) for a marvelous flight. But, what turned this into a legendary flight was the 2001 Climens. As great as the rest of the wines were, this was the superstar. Very similar flavors to the 1986, but just more of everything. This is what a 100 point wine tastes like.
Have you had the 2001 Suduiraut? If so, how does it compare to the Climens? I went long on the 2001 Suduiraut when I concluded that RMP had under-rated it. I have a few left. I have been bidding on the 2001 Climens at auction because my wife likes Climens, but I keep getting outbid.
As far as I remember, I have not had the 2001 Suduiraut. However, based on prior bottles of Climens and of Suduiraut, my guess is that they well taste very different. I would expect the Suduiraut to be much richer and the Climens more elegant.
The best 1967 I had was the Yquem , followed by de Fargues . Climens 67 a bit behind because it’s style is very different : less power , more flowers .
The 2001 is excellent but imho not perfect , waaaaay too young for that .
I like less power and more flowers (and more acidity) more than more power and fewer flowers. IMHO, power in wine is the opiate of the masses. Finesse is where real quality is.
Great notes and looking forward to trying the 86. I’ll be going to a Sauternes dinner soon, and 86 and 88 Climens are on the list (along with many other gems). I’ve had 88 multiple times, but haven’t had the 86. When I last had the ‘01 4 or 5 years ago, it had started emerging from its shell but still felt like it had a couple extra gears to show. Great to hear it’s hitting prime time.