Growing conditions were hot and dry, and with flowering and veraison beginning early, the grapes were harvested in a well-ripened and healthy state. Botrytis, the noble rot that shrinks the grape berries and concentrates their sugar content, did not begin to appear until after mid-October, but it then spread rapidly throughout the vineyard. The harvest had to be rushed. The warm October weather was ideal for a late-harvest wine like this one.
Fermentation takes place in small batches in French oak barrels, with one-third to 40% of the barrels being new, followed by 20 to 22 months of aging. For a vintage this ripe, such a long aging period plays a major role in balancing sugar and acidity.
It is best enjoyed between 2028 and 2054. Serve chilled at 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.
