I have forgotten to split these out, sorry for the delay. All tasted back in mid-August, from my 104-bottle cellar depressurization event. TNs–MEOW 2026–Mike’s Excellent Outpouring of Wines. 104 bottles from my Cellar - WINE TALK - WineBerserkers
This was, for me, probably the best of the tables on ratio of good/great wines and included the wine of the event. I missed tasting the 2009—dommage!
2003 Chateau Climens
Was thrilled to have this in the lineup. Beguiling aromas of vanilla, custard and apricot. And in the mouth, it is sugar-rush apricot all the way. Hyper-expressive, with just enough leashing acidity. In this year, they were tremendous and this wine is drinking at absolute peak.
2005 Chateau Climens
I’d soured a bit on this after the last couple, but clearly they just needed a bit more time. This is spectacular wine, everyone. Vanilla, fig, apricot even some orange rind and it’s ultra-silky on the palate all the way through. Of the 7 or 8 of these I’ve had, it’s clearly the best one. #13 overall
2011 Chateau Climens
Subtle nose speaks to honeycomb and faint key lime. This is dreamylicious. Botrytis and fruit in perfect harmony. Everything is in its place. I’d heard about how good the 11 Climens was. I believe all the hype is merited. Good to the last drop. #6 overall
2007 Chateau Climens
From a full. When I first opened and tasted the night before the event, my eyes closed in bliss. I thought this might end up being the wine of the event. 2 days later, that idea is confirmed. The bouquet is still coiled and hints of botrytis. Gorgeous elegance around apricot, honeydew and sweet lime. Botrytis in perfect place. I don’t know what else you can ask from a Sauternes. This is the meaning of revelicious—so good it borders on religious ecstasy. 99 and #1 / WOTD. Mike emits happy sigh.
2001 Chateau Climens
I tasted this the night before, a little on the morning of, and a tiny bit the next day. It certainly has carry and sweet lime, vanilla custard and traces of apricot and citrus. But----at least for me—it’s in a weird place. I found that the botrytis was much too much at the front, almost blocking the elegance of the wine. I’m not totally sure if this was an off-bottle. Maybe it was an off-me. I think others really liked this. A shame it’s my last one.
2015 Chateau Climens
Orange marmalade, custard and a bit of botrytis lift here. Still quite young, replays and the botrytis is in ascendancy.