De groeiomstandigheden waren heet en droog, en doordat de bloei en de rijping vroeg begonnen, werden de druiven in een goed gerijpte en gezonde toestand geoogst. Botrytis, de edele schimmel die de druiven doet krimpen en hun suikergehalte concentreert, begon pas na half oktober op te duiken, maar verspreidde zich daarna razendsnel door de hele wijngaard. De oogst moest met spoed worden uitgevoerd. Het warme oktoberweer was ideaal voor een late-oogstwijn als deze.
De gisting vindt plaats in kleine partijen in Franse eikenhouten vaten, waarvan een derde tot 40% nieuw is, gevolgd door een rijping van 20 tot 22 maanden. Voor een jaargang die zo rijp is, speelt zo’n lange rijpingsperiode een belangrijke rol bij het in evenwicht brengen van suiker en zuurgraad.
Deze wijn komt het best tot zijn recht tussen 2028 en 2054. Serveer gekoeld op 8-10 °C.
Robert Parker (95)
Revealing a delicate, complex bouquet of spices, ripe apricot, pineapple, guava and mango, the 2022 Château Climens is showing well today and possesses a medium to full-bodied, tense and layered palate, a fleshy, delicate core of fruit enhanced by bright acids and a delicate, ethereal finish with notes of apricot and orchard fruits. This has a pH of 4.1 and 141 grams per liter of residual sugar. As usual, this estate produced a tense and elegant Barsac that is especially attractive this vintage. It should age gracefully over the next two decades and more.
Winespectator (94)
An enticing white, with lively notes of graham cracker, pie crust and ginger tossed in with glazed pear, clove-studded orange and apricot flavors. The deliciously unctuous finish offers lingering hints of bitter almond and green tea.
James Suckling (96)
Quite a deep color here. Not initially pronounced, rather reticent, this wine is seductive and complex. Expect subtle saffron, wax, minerals, rosemary, pumpkin seeds and roasted sweet potatoes. Lush and concentrated. The sweetness merges with a touch of bitter herbs and salted caramel gliding through the sleek finish. This year, the freshness comes more from phenolics than acidity. Decant to drink now but better to hold.
Vinous (96)
The 2022 Climens shows better now than at the Southwold tasting. There are fewer of those petrol scents noted just a few weeks back and more purity with touches of yellow flowers, lemon curd and saffron aromas delivered with fine delineation. The palate is well balanced with a smooth texture and notes of dried honey, vanilla pod and a hint of nougat. Its richness is countered by a silver thread of acidity. This is much more like it! What a superb Climens.
Falstaff (96)
Light golden yellow colour with silver reflections. Candied orange zest, ripe peach, a hint of apricot confit, fine botrytis touch, a hint of honey, inviting bouquet. Complex, powerful, fine ripe stone fruit nuances, delicate hint of lychee, good acidity, vivid sweetness on the finish, shows length and good ageing potential, will certainly benefit from ten to fifteen years of ageing.
