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Wine Description
The Story
This noble sweet white wine, graceful and weightless, is a subtle wine that is like no other. If it is the very expression of the quintessence of this appellation with balance and freshness, it also has the strength and magnificence among the greatest Sauternes. Climens is characterized by brilliance or depth, borne only of its unique terroir.
This special grace, the result of tightness and minerality is also blessed with an extraordinary aromatic palette, mingling perfumes of flowers, fruits, spices, and often even a hint of eucalyptus or fresh mint. In their youth the wines, which have a pale colour that is reminiscent of the aromas, are dominated by citrus fruit (grapefruit, lemon, citron), fresh fruit and white flowers. Sweet spices and other deeper, confected fruit flavours will develop with the passing of time. Whatever the vintage, the wines continue to age slowly, retaining their harmonious blend of sweetness and freshness for decades, which signs their inimitable charm.
Climens is most famous for the elegance of its wine, but also for its sustained excellence: even in less than great vintages, the wines produced are always magical.
Appellation: Barsac (Sauternes)
Classification: First Growth of Sauternes – Barsac from 1855
Area under Wine: 31 hectares
Grape variety: 100% Semillon
Soil: ferrous clay sand on fissured starfish limestone sub-soil
Yield: Global Yield (on average over 20 years): 13hl/ha
First Growth yield (average over 20 years): 7hl/ha (i.e. 25 à 30 000 bottles per year)
Average age of vines: 38 years
Density of vine planting: 6 600 vines/ha
Vineyard management: Biodynamic since 2010
Vinification: in small lots in French oak barrels with 30 to 40% new oak each year
Barrel maturation: 20 to 22 months
Second Wine: Cyprès de Climens
Vintage 1957
Bordeaux: The weather conditions in Bordeaux during the 1957 growing season were mixed. The year began with a cold winter and a late spring, which delayed budbreak and flowering. While the summer months were relatively warm and dry, they were also marked by periods of rainfall. This inconsistent weather had a significant impact on grape ripening and overall quality.
Bordeaux 1957 Reds: The red wines of Bordeaux from the 1957 vintage are often considered to be of moderate quality. The wines typically display a ruby-red color with some showing signs of aging, such as a slight brick or garnet rim. On the nose, they offer aromas of red berries, dried herbs, and hints of tobacco and cedar.
In the mouth, the 1957 Bordeaux reds are characterized by their medium body and relatively mild tannins. The acidity is generally balanced, but the wines lack the depth and concentration that are found in exceptional Bordeaux vintages. While some wines from this vintage have aged gracefully, others may have reached or passed their peak, making it important to choose bottles carefully.
Bordeaux 1957 Whites: The white wines of Bordeaux from the 1957 vintage also produced mixed results. The wines typically have a pale to medium gold color with aromas of citrus, green apple, and a touch of honey. While they may lack the complexity and depth of some other vintages, the best examples have retained their freshness and vibrancy over the years.
Overall Impressions: The Bordeaux 1957 vintage is generally regarded as a moderate vintage in terms of quality. While it may not have reached the heights of some of the region's legendary years, it still produced wines that can offer enjoyable drinking experiences, especially when carefully selected bottles from reputable producers are chosen.