2022, Château Climens, BARSAC, 1er Grand Cru Classé, Grand Vin de Sauternes

The 2022 Climens was tasted from a prepared sample, although the final blending has not been done. It has a fragrant bouquet with wild honey, peach skin and lemon curd, well-defined, though not as intense as previous vintages tasted at this stage. The palate is medium-bodied with a waxy/viscous opening and a fine bead of acidity, not tremendously deep but with fine delineation. With nougat, quince and almond notes, the 2022 is quite sweet and almost Riesling-like toward the finish that actually feels as if it has less than the aforementioned residual sugar level. This is a precise Climens. 93-96 Neal Martin.

Rich gold in colour, with intense crème caramel, apple tart, citron confit and apricot puree flavours, this has a silky texture and luscious appeal, low acidity, unusual for Climens, although a beautiful mint freshness gives a welcome cooling blash on the finish. 114g/l residual sugar. New owner Jean-Hubert Moitry as of this vintage, with managing director Jerome Moitry. The winemaking team remains the same, overseen at least for now by Bérénice Lurton. 93 Jane Anson.