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Chateau Climens, Sauternes, 2005 (375ml)

Dessert Wine from Bordeaux, France
by Chateau Climens
$89.99
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The summer of 2005 was hot and exceptionally dry, the kind that usually stresses vines badly, yet at Climens they never suffered drought stress, and the reason is underground. The vineyard sits on a thin layer of iron-rich red sand (the "red sands of Barsac") over a cracked slab of starfish limestone laid down by the sea some 30 million years ago, and fault lines have worn that limestone into karstic cavities that drain the soil and store rainwater, rationing it out to the vines. Showers in mid-September brought on the noble rot, and the team picked from 26 September to 28 October in five separate passes through the vineyard. The château called it a large, well-balanced harvest and took its low pH as a sign of freshness. This is 100% Semillon from a First Growth of Barsac, one of the few 1855 Premiers Crus planted to a single grape, and the château credits its limestone with giving Semillon a freshness you wouldn't expect from fruit this ripe. The half-bottle is a low-commitment way to open a First Growth Sauternes, and it's just right for two after dinner.

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Antonio Galloni

97 points

"The 2005 Climens is consistent with previous bottles. The nose is quite deep with barley sugar, fig jam, apricot and orange blossom scents. The palate is well balanced and very pure with a fresh and effervescent entry, a keen line of acidity and a vivid, Clementine- and apricot-infused finish. So much energy here—this is outstanding. Tasted at the 2005 Sauternes horizontal held at Château Coutet." —Neal Martin

Robert Parker

94 points

"The 2005 Climens is drinking nicely, wafting from the glass with aromas of orange oil, dried apricot and marmalade mingled with hints of honeycomb and petrol. Full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with an enveloping core of fruit, ripe acids and a seamless, textural profile, it's rich and dramatic, missing just a little cut to rank as profound—even if it nonetheless ranks as one of the finest sweet wines of the vintage in Bordeaux." —William Kelley

Jancis Robinson

17.5 points

"Deep orangey gold. Smells of crème pâtissière. So rich! Lots of excitement and sheer weight and volume. Good energy on the finish. Marzipan notes. Unctuous."

Wine Spectator

95 points

"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."

Wine Enthusiast

92 points

"Intensely rich, very perfumed wine, full of apples and honey flavors. There is also fresh fruit, but the richness dominates, showing some dry botrytis flavors to finish." —Roger Voss

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More about Chateau Climens

Sauternes perfected. This Barsac legend switched to biodynamics in 2010 and hasn't looked back. With only 31 hectares of 100% Sémillon and yields as low as 7 HL/ha, every bottle is a study in restraint and honey-tinged magic.

See all Chateau Climens wines

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Semillon

  • Vintage

    2005

  • Size

    375ml

  • Farming Practice

    Sustainable

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

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Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Roquefort or Stilton, foie gras terrine with brioche, tarte Tatin, apricot or peach tart, crème brûlée.

Tasting Profile

Expect the classic Barsac profile from pure Semillon: apricot, candied orange peel, honey and a touch of saffron from noble rot, on a rich, silky palate. Climens is prized for its freshness, so expect bright acidity to keep the sweetness lifted rather than cloying, leading into a long, honeyed finish with a citrus-zest edge.

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