1970 Climens
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Tasting notes
The 1970 Climens is a vintage that I have not drunk for a number of years, and I was rather scathing in my previous review. Well, I stand corrected. This has an effervescent bouquet with dried honey, pressed yellow flowers, almond and peach skin. The palate is not powerful, but it is beautifully defined, still fresh and vibrant with a viscous, sensual finish that lingers in the mouth. Not a show-stopper, but delicious in every way. Tasted at the "Judgement of Clapham Junction" dinner in London.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
(UK bottled, by Matthew Gloag.) Very dark orange tawny. Sweet, thick and cheesy. Touch of decay. Some acidity and astringency. I feel M Gloag may have made a bit free with the blend for this wine. Not very noble. Some Spanish Sauternes in here? A bit pinched and drying on the end. (JR)
TA 4.8 g/l (sulphuric), RS 80 g/l Deep amber gold. Tangy and lightly caramelised. Intense and extremely concentrated bitter orange flavours but a little lacking in finesse and a little roasted. Power and concentration over elegance but still stunningly fresh. . (JH)
The 1970 is only an adequate Climens as it is dull, a little clumsy, and heavy. Its pale gold color is nice enough, but this lighter-styled Climens lacks grip and, as the English say, ``attack.'' It seems to be an uninspired winemaking effort. Last tasted, 5/82.
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.